Advocacy
Grassroots Update: Register for WHCA's Facility Tour Webinar
It's almost time to begin hosting facility tours with legislators! WHCA's June 26 webinar (11:30 am - 12:00 pm) will ensure you have the guidance... Read MoreJune 26 Webinar: Launch Your Facility Tour
AL SNF | Hosting your local legislator for a facility tour is one of the best ways to build relationships and secure support for your important work. From invite to follow-up, WHCA makes every step of this activity easy, fun and effective. Read MoreGrassroots Update: WHCA Members Capitalize on Capitol Trip
10 representatives of WA long-term care facilities traveled to the other Washington this week to advocate for workforce and funding solutions. Keen to capitalize on... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Laying the Groundwork
With another high-stakes legislative session looming in 2026, it is imperative to educate lawmakers about your work. The best way to do this? Facility tours... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Headed to DC? Let us Know!
On June 9-10, WHCA is leading a delegation of WA LTC providers to Washington DC for AHCA's Congressional Briefing. If you are registered to attend on... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Fuel Your Advocacy at Convention
Whether it's signing up for a legislative facility tour, learning how to change policy through storytelling, or bowling with your friends and colleagues in support of the... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Prepare for PACtivities
As you prepare for Annual Convention in two weeks, don't forget about the WHCA-PAC Bowl-a-Rama! Between 32 lanes of all-abilities bowling glory, a full-service bar,... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Bowl 'Em Over
WHCA's fan-favorite fundraising function is back for the 2025 Annual Convention! Whether you're there for the bowling, karaoke, networking under neon lights or some spectacular... Read MoreGrassroots Update: All Eyes on Ferguson
The budget showdown in Olympia continues as legislative leaders introduce a fresh package of tax proposals and weigh funding reductions across state programs. The fate... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Share This Video to Help Prevent Medicaid Cuts
State leaders need to hear from the people most affected by their decisions - so Caldera Care put together a quick and compelling video featuring seniors who... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Make a House Call
The House budget proposal would impose a rate freeze in assisted living and skilled nursing, meaning Medicaid rates would continue to be based on 2022... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Big Fish in a Big Pond
Competition is fierce for state funding support as various sectors navigate a high-stakes state operating budget. This was evident yesterday by the 325 testifiers who... Read MoreGrassroots Update: We Salute Our Members – and Urge Your Engagement
AL SNF | The voices of our members fuel WHCA’s advocacy work. Our members are stepping up in a big way—and we want to acknowledge our champions. In addition to powerful legislative testimony, WHCA members are adding their voices to the fight for funding in the media. Read MoreGet Ready for Public Budget Hearings
AL SNF | Key state budget proposals are slated for release next Monday and may feature Medicaid rate cuts and/or freezes. We’re here to help advocates prepare to testify powerfully on short notice. Read MoreGrassroots Update: SNF Companies Step Up
Just one company’s focused advocacy can make an enormous difference. In recent weeks, several of WHCA’s key skilled nursing members have stepped up to drive... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Ramping Back Up
The Legislature has emerged from a frenzy of activity surrounding the last two weeks’ key committee deadlines, and the entire House and Senate will now debate bills on their respective chamber floors until March 12. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Support HCA Credentialing Fixes
Severe delays and barriers in home care aide credentialing are harming caregivers, providers, and ultimately residents in home and community-based care settings. Washington’s legislature is considering... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Bring Down the House This Saturday
HB 1476 would freeze SNF rates at 2022 costs until 2028. We need to mount powerful testimony and other engagement in opposition to this dangerous legislation. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Advocate for Resident Independence with HB 1720
HB 1720 is what Olympia insiders call a ‘good little bill’; it costs nothing and benefits many by updating medication assistance rules so caregivers in... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Urge Lawmakers to Fund Medicaid
Medicaid funds for both SNF and AL hang in the balance this legislative session, and your voice can tip the scales. SNF providers face a... Read MoreHave a Heart for Seniors and Their Caregivers
Join your colleagues in Olympia on February 14 for the Have a Heart rally. Spread the word and build support for increased Medicaid funding for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Washington. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Have a Heart for Seniors
This Valentine’s Day, join your fellow long-term care providers for a powerful in-person advocacy event – WHCA’s Have a Heart for Seniors rally on Olympia’s... Read MoreGrassroots Update: WHCA Advocates Shine in Budget Hearings
Over the past two days, 20 providers from skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Washington stepped up to testify on Governor Inslee’s state budget... Read MoreGrassroots Update: 2025 Legislative Session Begins
The 2025 Legislative Session begins next Monday – and from Medicaid rate cuts to onerous resident discharge legislation, it will feature high-stakes funding and policy... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Prepare Your Advocates
Only 25 days remain until the 2025 legislative session begins – and we are building toward a powerful three months of advocacy. The stakes are... Read MoreGrassroots Update: WHCA Advocate to Brief State Leaders on SNF Admission Barriers
State leaders trust WHCA as subject matter experts – and have asked us to brief legislative and agency leaders on issues around ‘difficult to discharge’... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Off to a Strong Start
Success this legislative session will hinge on the engagement of our member advocates – so we are taking a moment to recognize trends and leaders... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Progress in the Field with Senator Liz Lovelett
Yesterday, Sen. Lovelett (D-40) enjoyed an educational and uplifting visit to Nightingale Healthcare’s co-located Mt. Baker Care Center and Summit Place Assisted Living. The two-hour meeting... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Rocky Budget Outlook Demands Powerful Advocacy
In Olympia, new and returning leaders are preparing for a legislative session defined by gale-force economic headwinds. Faced with a $10-$12 billion shortfall in the... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Aligning Advocates
Election Day has come and gone, and as Washington’s new leaders get settled in Olympia, work continues behind the scenes to build the state operating... Read MoreGrassroots Update: It’s Not Too Late; Register to Vote!
Voting is the foundation of advocacy, and from Initiative 2124 to your local legislative candidates, this year’s ballot asks you to weigh in on issues directly affecting... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Voter Resources
As a community leader, residents and staff may come to you with questions about the electoral process. Perhaps you’re wondering about deadlines, ballot drop box... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Help Protect WA Cares
With November 5 right around the corner, now is the perfect time to help other voters understand what’s on their ballots. That's why we're encouraging... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Collecting Connections
Our state legislators tend to know a lot of people – and we know you do too. Whether you sit on the same PTA committee,... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Medicaid Rates Advocacy Starts with Understanding the State Operating Budget
In mid-September, DSHS submitted “decision package” recommendations to the Governor’s budget office, the Office of Financial Management, for consideration in Washington’s FY25-27 operating budget. This... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Connect with WHCA Staff at Fall Conference
Fall Conference is less than a week away, and the whole WHCA team looks forward to connecting with you there! Whether you have regulatory or... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Powering the WHCA-PAC
We talk a lot about the importance of the PAC – but what’s important to the PAC? In short, your support. By sponsoring and participating in WHCA-PAC... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Calling All Golfers
Many WHCA members have stepped up to support the PAC as sponsors at our upcoming golf event – and a few hole sponsorships are still up for grabs!... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Less than One Month Until Fall Golf
Fall Conference is almost here – and with it, the WHCA-PAC Fall Golf Invitational! Recently redesigned, The Links at Post Falls offers a new and exciting challenge... Read MoreGrassroots Update: SNF Medicaid Survey Deadline Extended to 9/1
If you are a SNF operator, it is important that we hear from you about challenges related to Medicaid case management. Our informed advocacy on... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Peep Your Primary
Last week brought Washington’s Primary Election, where the field in each race was whittled down to the top two contenders. This interactive map will show you... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Complete the SNF Medicaid Survey
Calling all SNF Administrators: If you haven’t yet, please complete this important survey by August 15. We are working to troubleshoot the Medicaid admission process, and your... Read MoreWHCA Members Share Expertise and Experience with DSHS and Governor’s Office Staff
AL SNF | Earlier this month, Lauri St. Ours, WHCA’s EVP for Government Relations and Communications, hosted tours of AL and SNF facilities for Medicaid payment experts from DSHS and the Governor’s Office of Financial Management. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Dismantling Delays in Home Care Aide Testing
Throughout this summer, WHCA’s Vicki McNealley and Brookdale’s Allison Lally have worked diligently with DOH to remedy disastrous home care aide testing backlogs. Beyond designing preceptor... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Get Your Story Straight
Our big push to bring legislators into facilities is fast approaching, and your workforce stories are essential to these tours’ impact. State leaders need to... Read MoreGrassroots Update: ALTSA Education
State agency staff play an important role in budget and policy formation, and it is essential to educate them on the realities of our sector. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Channeling Chance Encounters
Whether it’s at a fair, festival or farmer’s market, you might end up chatting with your local elected officials this summer. With a tactful approach,... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Calling in the Cavalry
We’re gearing up now for a fiercely competitive 2025 legislative session, and we need you to inform our strategies. Legislative success will depend on our... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Achievement and Opportunity
When an Ensign-affiliated care center achieves exceptional patient care, its staff are recognized through a heartwarming ‘flag celebration’. This type of event is perfect to invite legislators... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Save (and Save On) Your Fall PAC Golf Spot
In a few short months, you will once again have a glorious opportunity to connect with your friends and colleagues in support of the PAC... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Foundations of Good Intent
Democrats and Republicans might not agree on much these days, but just about everyone acknowledges that seniors need more support. Our leaders want to help – our... Read MoreGrassroots Update: WA Providers Take On DC
The recently finalized CMS staffing minimums for skilled nursing are poised to wreak havoc on Washington’s long-term care system, and this week, we intensified our... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Bowled Over in Spokane
WHCA’s strength resides in the member community, and that was on full display at last week’s Annual Convention. From the dozens who engaged in our... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Join Our Session at Convention!
Attending WHCA’s Annual Convention next week in Spokane? Mark your calendar for 3pm on Monday, May 20 for an advocacy-focused education session hosted by the... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Bowl-a-Rama Opportunities Still Rolling In
Participant slots for the WHCA-PAC Bowl-a-Rama are almost entirely sold out – but that’s not where the opportunities end. More bowling spots should open over the next... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Educate Congress on Federal Rules
Last week, the federal government released two final rules with worrying implications for skilled nursing facilities and home and community-based settings. We must help our Congresspeople understand staffing... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Productive People-Watching
It’s campaign season, and ideology is on full display. Pay close attention to what candidates say and do, because knowing their priorities is key to... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Limited Lanes at the Bowl-a-Rama
On the fence about sponsoring a lane at the 2025 WHCA-PAC Bowl-a-Rama? You’ll want to move fast – only a few lanes are still up... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Pressing the Issue on CMS Staffing Mandate
News media is a great venue for educating leaders and the public on long-term care issues, and WHCA is here to help you maximize its... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Help Us Help You
AL ESF SNF | Take this quick survey to help us make advocacy work better for you. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Getting In at the Ground Floor
It’s a time of great change in Olympia as the Governor’s race heats up and senior legislators in both parties exit influential positions. That means now... Read MoreGrassroots Update: What’s a PAC, and Why Should I Care?
In the coming weeks and months, you’ll be hearing more about WHCA’s Political Action Committee as we kick fundraising efforts into high gear. The WHCA-PAC’s purpose is simple:... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Maximize Your Convention Experience
Registration is now live for the 2024 WHCA Annual Convention in Spokane! When you sign up, make sure to check the box to participate in... Read MoreBrews & Bowling: May 21 WHCA-PAC Fun Night in Spokane
PAC Fun Night is a WHCA classic, and no more so than this year at the 2024 WHCA Annual Convention. We’ve planned a great evening of camaraderie—and competition—at the first-ever WHCA-PAC Bowling Extravaganza! Read MoreGrassroots Update: Time to Act
Maybe you’re a Medicaid-contracted AL provider, and you know you need higher rates. Maybe you only take private pay but wish it was more financially... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Tick Tock, Goes the Budget Clock
Hurry up and wait. If there was a mantra for legislative session, that would be it. We’re waiting for the release of the House and... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Same Same, but Different
We’re now halfway through the 2024 legislative session, and the surviving bills have almost made it through the gauntlet of their chamber of origin. The legislative... Read MoreGrassroots Update: The Proof is in the Pudding
Sometimes the payoff from grassroots advocacy isn’t immediately apparent. Today, it is. We just scored a massive legislative victory, and your engagement made it happen. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Leveraging Momentum
When you want a bill passed, time isn’t on your side. That’s especially true this session because legislators only have 60 days to consider hundreds of proposals. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Bad Bill Requires Overwhelming Opposition
You’ve probably heard about HB 1859 by now – if not, click here for the rundown. It poses a host of problems for AL residents,... Read MoreGrassroots Update: Starting Session Right
Monday, January 8, marked the start of the 60-day 2024 legislative session, and WHCA members came out swinging. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Elevate Yourself in 2024
Is your New Years resolution to do better in your career? Advocacy can give you a boost. Read MoreGrassroots Update: A Light Touch Does Much
It’s the little things in life – and that’s true in advocacy too. Legislators have a stressful and often thankless job, so a little appreciation... Read MoreGrassroots Update: The Advocacy Exchange
The Advocacy Exchange, an all-new quarterly publication specifically focusing on WHCA’s year-round advocacy community, will arrive in your inbox next Tuesday, December 19. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Levels and Levers
There are many levels in our government, from the President to your local fire department. There’s one commonality between them that you need to know: They can all be leveraged to benefit your staff and residents. Here’s several levels of government that impact your work, and one advocacy tip for each. Read MoreGrassroots Update: The Balancing Act
The holiday season is here, and whether it’s food or obligations, everyone has a full plate. We get it - it can be hard to find the time and motivation to advocate right now. But with Legislative Session fast approaching, we can’t afford to let our advocacy lapse. Read MoreGratitude Makes the World Go Round
Eric Negomir, WHCA Government Relations Manager Thanksgiving isn’t the only setting where gratitude shines – it is an essential part of effective advocacy. Think about... Read MoreThank You for Submitting Comments to CMS
The comment period for CMS’ proposed SNF staffing mandate has now ended, and the WHCA staff thanks you for making your voice heard. Read MoreGrassroots Update: It's Time to Act on AL Funding
Governor Inslee is at work now developing the first of three budget proposals that will ultimately be considered by the Legislature, which means now is our first big opportunity to advocate for funding in the State budget. Read MoreShape Workforce Policy: Participate in the Health Workforce Sentinel Network
By completing a brief survey now, you will improve policymakers’ understanding of Washington’s health workforce needs. Read MoreShape Workforce Policy: Participate in the Health Workforce Sentinel Network
By completing a brief survey now, you will improve policymakers’ understanding of Washington’s health workforce needs. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Process Power
The 2024 Legislative Session, which begins January 8, will produce a Supplemental Budget that may drive additional funding for key programs like Medicaid. Read MoreGrassroots Update: A Few Flavors of Advocacy at Fall Conference
At the 2023 IHCA/WHCA Fall Conference, attendees submitted comments to CMS on the SNF mandatory staffing rule that would imperil Washington seniors' access to skilled nursing care. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Come Chat with WHCA
WHCA promotes our members and their perspectives through various media channels, and we want to give you the chance to be heard. Read MoreFederal Staffing Proposal Threatens Seniors’ Access to Care
In September, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed skilled nursing facility (SNF) staffing requirements for all U.S. care centers. Read MoreShape Workforce Policy: Participate in the Health Workforce Sentinel Network
By completing a brief survey now, you will improve policymakers’ understanding of Washington’s health workforce needs. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Getting the Ball Rolling
Secure a facility tour with policymakers as soon as possible, so that they can take your perspective and needs with them into the Legislative Session when it begins on January 8. Read MoreGrassroots Update: Protect Your Facility from the CMS Staffing Minimum
CMS’ proposed minimum staffing mandate threatens your ability to care for residents and disregards foundational qualities that make Washington’s long term care system one of the nation’s best. Read MoreCMS Staffing Minimum Congressional Hearing
On Wednesday, October 25 at 11am PDT, the Health Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Committee is holding a hearing on CMS’ proposed staffing minimums in skilled nursing. Read More
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Upcoming Events
Free Webinar: Argentum Women in Leadership Speaker Series
July 17, 2025 | Zoom
2025 SNF Webinar Series: Behavioral Health and Dementia Care for Aging Populations
July 17, 2025 | Zoom
RCS Summer Forums (AL & SNF)
July 22, 2025 | Zoom