VHCA-VCAL’s 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 outreach and advocacy work for the week of August 17.  

• 8/17—Participated in AHCA/NCAL’s weekly conference call for state affiliate staff on COVID-19.
• 8/17—Participated in a call on COVID-19 for AHCA/NCAL state affiliate staff.
• 8/17—Keith Hare delivered a presentation on nursing facility workforce issues to the VDH work group examining the issue.
• 8/17—Met with DMAS to discussion COVID-19 payment reconciliation issues.
• 8/18—Participated in the VDH work group meeting looking at long term care workforce issues.
• 8/18—Participated in a conference call with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and LeadingAge Virginia on COVID-19 coordination between long term care facilities and health systems.
• 8/18—Participated in the monthly meeting with DMAS leaders.
• 8/19—Monitored the meetings of the Senate Education and Health Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.
• 8/19—60 individuals attended the webinar on documentation for activity professionals led by Mary Chiles.
• 8/19—Attended the DSS Board meeting.
• 8/20—Participated in the COVID-19 LTCF Task Force meeting.
• 8/20—Participated in the Virginia COVID-19 Testing Advisory Council.
• 8/20—Participated in a meeting of the DMAS Dental Advisory Committee.
• 8/20—Met with Sen. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Virginia Beach) to discuss her legislation on nursing facility visitation.
• 8/20—Met with Sen. Sibohan Dunnavant (R-Henrico) to discuss VHCA-VCAL priorities.
• 8/21—Hosted a member call on COVID-19 issues.
• 8/21—Briefed staff members of the House Appropriations and Senate Appropriations and Finance Committees on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing facility census and revenue.