Virginia’s former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling kicked off the annual Legislative Conference by offering recommendations on how we can escape the grip of political polarization by engaging in informed civil conversation with a willingness to compromise. Political commentator Dr. Bob Holsworth then kept the audience riveted with his review of the recent happenings in Virginia politics affecting our top statewide elected officials. The conference also included a panel of state agency leaders and an update on AHCA/NCAL’s legislative goals by Clif Porter.

AHCA/NCAL Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Clif Porter talked about how to advocate for the profession. In stressing he was “pro SNFs” he cautioned members   “don’t infuse your personal politics in how you advocate for your residents.” Porter then urged members to reach out to Sen. Mark Warner to invite him to visit a facility. Warner sits on a key Senate committee that is expected to hold a hearing on abuse in nursing homes later this year. Porter explained the importance of emphasizing that abuse is rare and the regulations, policies and procedures in place to prevent it. Porter also outlined key issues to watch in the coming year including workforce needs, regulatory relief, and mandatory staffing levels.

The panel of Virginia’s health agency leaders talked about their efforts to break down silos between agencies and stakeholder groups to improve services for all Virginians.

• Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Dan Carey noted how important VHCA-VCAL providers are in serving Virginia’s vulnerable population.
• In discussing CCC Plus implementation, Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) Dr. Jennifer Lee said the program “is not where we want it to be” as the agency works with the managed care organizations (MCOs) to work on the basics of timely and accurate claims payment.
• Commissioner of Health Dr. Norman Oliver applauded VHCA-VCAL members for their work on emergency preparedness. He said this collaboration and support LTC providers give one another under the Mutual Aid Plan has been critical to these efforts.
• Department of Social Services Commissioner Duke Storen thanked members for the services they provide “treating people with dignity.” He noted the challenge Virginia faces as the Commonwealth lacks enough affordable assisted living beds, a need which will only grow over time.

Additional speakers included: 

• VHCA-VCAL’s lobbying team detailed the efforts to-date to respond to legislation affecting members from nursing facility truth in advertising, assisted living bills, and the state budget. Attendees then headed to meet with their General Assembly members to thank them for their advocacy on behalf of long term care providers.
• April Payne and Pathway Health’s Susan LaGrange briefed attendees on the civil monetary grant project provided an update on the Assisted Living Facility Standards noting that the Department of Social Services is preparing technical assistance and conducting inspector training to improve standardization across regions.

• Dave Saunders of Madison+Main provided a template for developing a crisis communication plan and offered key principles for crisis communications. Chief among his recommendations was to develop a plan rather than waiting for something bad to happen.
• Representatives from the CCC Plus MCOs participated in a discussion related to on-going implementation and claims processing issues.