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...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Only 25 days remain until the 2025 legislative session begins – and we are building toward a powerful three months of advocacy. The stakes are...
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State leaders trust WHCA as subject matter experts – and have asked us to brief legislative and agency leaders on issues around ‘difficult to discharge’...
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Success this legislative session will hinge on the engagement of our member advocates – so we are taking a moment to recognize trends and leaders...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Our state legislators tend to know a lot of people – and we know you do too. Whether you sit on the same PTA committee,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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!...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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AL ESF SNF | Take this quick survey to help us make advocacy work better for you.
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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...
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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:...
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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...
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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!
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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Monday, January 8, marked the start of the 60-day 2024 legislative session, and WHCA members came out swinging.
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Is your New Years resolution to do better in your career? Advocacy can give you a boost.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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...
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The comment period for CMS’
proposed SNF staffing mandate has now ended, and the WHCA staff thanks you for making your voice heard.
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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.
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By completing a brief survey now, you will improve policymakers’ understanding of Washington’s health workforce needs.
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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 More
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 More