The Virginia Health Care Association’s (VHCA) 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 staff and leadership’s participation in meetings and events that are critical to the profession. Take a look at our activities this week:

• 12/14—Heywood Fralin and VHCA staff met with Sen. Tommy Norment (R-James City County), Senate Majority Leader and co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee to discuss VHCA-VCAL’s legislative priorities.
• 12/14—Participated in a conference call hosted by the Department of Medical Assistance Services on the Commonwealth Coordinated Care (CCC) program for providers.
• 12/14—Attended a Virginia Oral Health Coalition meeting and its related Adult Dental Work Group.
• 12/15—Attended the Board of Long Term Care Administrators meeting.
• 12/15—With Virginia Assisted Living Association and LeadingAge Virginia, met with Department of Social Services staff to discuss issues related to standardization of processes used across inspection teams.
• 12/16—Met with Del. John O’Bannon (R-Henrico) to discuss the upcoming General Assembly session.
• 12/17—Attended a political fundraiser for Sen. Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach).
• 12/17—Paul Clements, Sharon Darby and Matt Mansell met with Board of Nursing staff to discuss potential regulatory changes affecting nurse education programs.
• 12/17—Met with Board of Nursing staff.
• 12/17—Met with Del. Vivian Watts (D-Fairfax) to discuss her 2016 bills.
• 12/18—Hosted the quarterly meeting of the Geriatric Mental Health Partnership.
• 12/18—Held a biweekly conference call with Anthem to discuss the CCC program.
• 12/18—Attended a political fundraiser for Del. Dickie Bell (R-Staunton).