Washington, DC – The following is a statement from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living’s  (AHCA/NCAL) President & CEO Governor Mark Parkinson following the appointment of Marilyn Tavenner as interim Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):

“AHCA/NCAL has enjoyed a constructive, positive relationship with Administrator Berwick and we look forward to continuing this meaningful dialogue with Interim Director Tavenner. Marilyn Tavenner shares our commitment for the elderly and I look forward to working in stronger partnership with her in the future.”

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) represent nearly 11,000 non-profit and proprietary facilities dedicated to continuous improvement in the delivery of professional and compassionate care provided daily by millions of caring employees to 1.5 million of our nation's frail, elderly and disabled citizens who live in nursing facilities, assisted living residences, subacute centers and homes for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. For more information, please visit www.ahca.org or www.ncal.org.