What’s Happening at WHCA: A Busy Fall, a Focused Future

It was wonderful to spend time together in Spokane for the WHCA Fall Conference in September! Connecting with members, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another is always a highlight of our year. As we move further into fall, we’re focusing on priorities that strengthen our advocacy, support providers, and prepare us for the year ahead.

Here’s a look at what’s happening at WHCA and how our work continues to support you.

Preparing for the 2027 Legislative Session

Although the Washington Legislature won’t convene until January, our work to prepare for the 2027 session is well underway. This summer, WHCA skilled nursing and assisted living providers worked on legislative proposals to reform how Washington Medicaid rates are determined. These are complex and difficult budget times, however, WHCA is actively meeting with legislators, coordinating facility tours, and engaging with key stakeholders, including the Governor’s Office, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and other state agencies and organizations as we seek to ensure that Washingtonians have access to care and services.

Each conversation is essential to ensuring policymakers understand the realities of providing skilled nursing and assisted living services, including the financial, workforce, and regulatory pressures our members face. We’re focused on building relationships, educating decision-makers, and advancing policies that support quality care and the long-term sustainability of our profession.

The state operating budget for 2027-29 is under consideration. DSHS has released decision package proposals for OFM, the Governor’s budget office, to consider. A significant concern is a proposal that would change eligibility standards for Medicaid residents in Washington, impacting an estimated 7,000 individuals currently receiving Medicaid services. We have significant concerns about the proposal, and will communicate that to the Governor’s Office and legislators.

We’re also reviewing and responding to emerging legislative proposals that could have significant implications for providers. Among the issues receiving our attention are:

• Medicaid fraud legislation being developed by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.
• Nurse delegation legislation proposed by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
• An employer tax where employees receive health coverage through Apple Health (Medicaid).

Our goal is to identify potential impacts early, engage members and stakeholders in thoughtful discussions, and ensure the provider perspective is represented as proposals take shape.

Reach out to Lauri St. Ours or Aidan Swayne for more information about this work.

Investing in Education and Professional Development

Supporting members through high-quality education remains a central WHCA priority.

This fall, we’re offering in-person facility investigator training in Gig Harbor and Spokane, giving administrators, nursing leaders, and other professionals a chance to strengthen their skills in conducting internal investigations, evaluating evidence, and responding effectively to regulatory concerns. These practical skills are essential to maintaining compliance, improving facility practices, and reducing the risk of citations and fines. Elena Madrid and Vicki McNealley will be leading this interactive, important training ideal for teams responsible for this work.

We’re also finalizing plans for a leadership training series launching in winter 2027, designed to help current and emerging leaders build the skills they need to successfully manage teams, navigate challenges, and lead their organizations. Stay tuned for details on this January virtual series.

We continue to help members understand requirements, navigate implementation challenges, and advocate for practical regulatory approaches that support quality resident care, and urge you to reach out when you need help understanding the complex regulatory and clinical environment in skilled nursing and assisted living.

Your Priorities Are Our Priorities

Much of WHCA’s most important work happens between legislative sessions, conferences, and other major events. Ongoing conversations with policymakers, careful review of emerging proposals, development of educational resources, and behind-the-scenes problem-solving help protect and advance our members’ interests.

A Unified Voice Matters

As you develop your own operating budgets and priorities for 2027, please remember to include WHCA membership and professional development opportunities in your plans. Your investment in WHCA supports a strong, unified voice for skilled nursing and assisted living providers across Washington, while ensuring your teams have access to the information, education, and advocacy they need to succeed.