The Virginia Health Care Association and the Virginia Center for Assisted Living’s (VHCA-VCAL) advocacy work on behalf of long term care providers is a year-round job. While the General Assembly session may get most of the attention, the meetings and outreach we conduct with legislators, agency officials, and other stakeholders beyond session can have lasting impact on our ability to be effective advocates.

We’ll be using this space to highlight VHCA-VCAL staff and leadership’s participation in meetings and events that are critical to the profession. Take a look at our activities this week:

• 10/26—Attended political fundraisers for Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax County), Del. Vivian Watts (D-Fairfax), Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax), Del. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond) and Sen. Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg).
• 10/27—Attended the certificate of public need (COPN) work group meeting.
• 10/28—Participated in the State Medical Facilities Plan (SMFP) use rate and travel times subcommittee meetings.
• 10/28—Attended a political fundraiser for Sen. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico).
• 10/28—Attended the Provider Assessment Work Group meeting. Steve Ford provided public comments signaling VHCA’s opposition to a provider assessment on nursing facilities.
• 10/29—Discussed patient safety organizations (PSO) with staff from the National Center for Assisted Living.
• 10/30—Met with staff from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association to discuss the creation of a PSO in Virginia.
• 10/30—Met with Senate Finance Committee staff to discuss VHCA’s budget priorities.