| Nursing Homes Warn Congress: Don’t Leave Town Without Delivering Additional COVID Funding for Health And Long-Term Care Providers | aspx | | 9/28/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong></strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> - The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, warned Congress today that if they don’t pass another COVID funding package public health agencies and health care providers could find themselves less than completely prepared heading into the cold and flu season, as well as underfunded to handle another major spike in COVID cases.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>With 70% of the $175 billion Provider Relief Fund provided by the CARES Act back in April already distributed and remaining funds likely to be allocated by early October, health care providers, including long term care facilities, will need additional funds to continue its response to the COVID pandemic heading into the cold and flu season, which provides new challenges.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Michael T. Osterholm, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/coronavirus-states-cases-increase/2020/09/22/105826b4-f9ef-11ea-a275-1a2c2d36e1f1_story.html" target="_blank">recently pointed out</a> the challenges with the upcoming flu and cold season: “I think we’re just in the beginning of what’s going to be a marked increase in cases in the fall. And it won’t be just a testing artifact, either. This is real.” Further complicating the flu and cold season ahead is the fact that COVID cases are rising as CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/22/coronavirus-cases-grow-in-more-than-half-of-us-states.html" target="_blank">reported</a>, “Coronavirus cases in the U.S. are beginning to rebound following weeks of reported declines and warnings from top U.S. health officials that the country could be vulnerable to fresh outbreaks coinciding with the forthcoming flu season.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), stated that Congress needs to end the partisan logjam and prioritize frontline health care workers and residents, particularly vulnerable elderly populations.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Without replenishing funds for federal and state agencies, health care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living communities, could find themselves less than completely prepared for the challenges of the upcoming cold and flu season, which could inevitably result in an uptick in new COVID cases,” stated Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. “With the cold and flu season adding a real complication to the ongoing COVID pandemic response, the need for extra testing, personal protective equipment and staffing, will need to be met in order to keep caregivers and residents safe.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Parkinson is urging Congress to provide an additional $100 billion for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund, which is accessible for all health care providers impacted by COVID-19. A sizeable portion of the fund should be dedicated to helping nursing homes and assisted living communities acquire resources associated with protecting vulnerable residents and staff from the virus, including constant testing, PPE and staff support.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Without adequate funding and resources, the U.S. will repeat the same mistakes made during the initial outbreak last spring and the major spike over the summer. We need Congress to prioritize our vulnerable seniors and their caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living communities, by passing another COVID funding package before they leave town for the elections.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>For more information, please visit <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/pages/coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus</a>. </span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>.<br></div><div><br></div> | With nearly all of the initial Healthcare Provider Relief Fund from CARES Act spent and COVID cases rising in 22 states, U.S. will be unprepared heading into cold and flu season | AHCA/NCAL warned Congress that if they don’t pass another COVID funding package, public health agencies and health care providers could find themselves underfunded to handle another major spike in COVID cases heading into the cold and flu season. |
| AHCA/NCAL Issues Statement Following Release of Independent Commission Report | aspx | | 9/16/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released the following statement following the release the final report by the independent Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes (Commission) on the safety and quality in nursing homes in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL, will attend a discussion on the findings of the report tomorrow at the White House with Vice President Mike Pence, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield, some members of the Commission and other public health and senior care experts.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson:<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“We are pleased to see the Commission acknowledge what we have been saying from the beginning - there must be shared responsibility with public health officials prioritizing our residents in long term care and helping facilities acquire necessary resources to combat this global pandemic. The Commission’s review and findings lay out some of the important work that is needed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes and further improve the quality of care we deliver.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“As we prepare for a potential rise in cases this fall, we must arm nursing homes and other long term care facilities with a steady stream of resources to ensure they have adequate tests, personal protective equipment and staff support.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“We appreciate the members of the Commission who contributed to this important discussion and look forward to working with the Administration to bring aspects of this report to fruition and keep our residents and staff safe.”</span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ncal.org</a>.<br><br></div> | | AHCA/NCAL released the following statement following the release the final report by the independent Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes (Commission) on the safety and quality in nursing homes in relation to the COVID-19. |
| America’s Assisted Living Communities Convey Why “Caring is Essential” | aspx | | 9/13/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> – Beginning today and continuing through Saturday, Sept. 19, America’s assisted living communities are participating in National Assisted Living Week® (NALW). The national observance—which begins each year on National Grandparents’ Day—honors the individuals who reside, work and volunteer in assisted living and residential care communities with special activities and events. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Created by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, this year’s NALW theme is “Caring is Essential,” reflecting the hard work and dedication of all the essential caregivers in assisted living communities across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed much of the day-to-day life of the staff and the residents for the time being. Despite these hurdles, staff continue to provide high-quality care to residents in senior living and should be honored for the incredible work they do every day.</span></p><div><br></div><div>“With many friends and family still unable to enter the buildings due to COVID, caregivers in assisted living communities are playing an even more critical role to residents,” said <strong>Scott Tittle, Executive Director of NCAL</strong>. “This National Assisted Living Week, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of heroes working in assisted living today, we must recognize the special relationships residents have with staff and how those bonds enrich everyone’s lives.”</div><div><br></div><div>The annual observance encourages assisted living communities around the country to offer a variety of events and activities to bring together residents, staff and volunteers, while adhering to infection control requirements and precautions in place for COVID-19. Participants are asked to share their celebrations throughout the week on social media with the hashtag, <strong>#NALW</strong>. </div><div><br></div><div>For more information on National Assisted Living Week, please visit <a href="/Education-Events/Pages/NALW.aspx" target="_blank">www.nalw.org</a>.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit<a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"> www.ahca.org</a> or <a href="/Education-Events/Pages/NALW.aspx" target="_blank">www.ncal.org</a>.<br><br></div> | Caregivers commemorate National Assisted Living Week® | Beginning today and continuing through Saturday, Sept. 19, America’s assisted living communities are participating in National Assisted Living Week®. |
| AHCA/NCAL Renews Call For Residents, Staff In Long Term Care Facilities To Receive Prioritization For COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution | aspx | | 9/2/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Washington, D</strong></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>.C.</strong> – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country, reiterated its call today for long term care facilities to receive prioritization for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>At a public listening session organized by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) convened to solicit comments on its Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson stressed the importance of getting a vaccine to long term care providers who have been on the front lines of the pandemic protecting one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Long term care was forgotten at the start of the pandemic, but we cannot be forgotten now,” Parkinson said. “Members of our country’s greatest generation and the brave men and women who keep them safe deserve our support. Ensuring long term care residents and staff are among the first to receive a vaccine when it becomes available will help mitigate the risk and prevent further deaths.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>NASEM’s final study will provide recommendations to the National Institutes for Health (NIH) and the Center for Disease (CDC) as they consider initial allocation once a vaccine is available for use. A recent <a href="https://www.axios.com/who-gets-coronavirus-vaccine-first-4ff87ff8-39d7-49d6-8d25-fa2307119235.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&stream=top" target="_blank">Harris survey</a> of more than 1,900 Americans revealed that the vast majority of Americans support providing the vaccine to high-risk individuals first. This includes seniors and those who care for them.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>While long term care providers have taken unprecedented action to protect those in their care, research shows that a high rate of spread in a community is all but certain to lead to outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living communities. “As long as the virus is a threat to the general public, it is a threat to our residents and staff,” Parkinson added. “If we can vaccinate long term care residents and caregivers first, they will be less at risk in the event we see a rise in cases within our communities.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>AHCA/NCAL will continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, NIH and CDC to ensure those who most urgently need the protection of a vaccine are able to access it as soon as possible.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>For more information, please visit </span><a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/pages/coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">.</span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ncal.org</a>.<br><br></div> | | AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson stressed the importance of getting a vaccine to long term care providers who have been on the front lines of the pandemic protecting one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. |
| NCAL Issues Statement Following HHS Announcement On Funding For Assisted Living Communities | aspx | | 9/1/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) released the following statement following today's announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding funding for assisted living facilities as provided by the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.<br> <br>The following statement is attributable to Scott Tittle, executive director of NCAL:<br> <br>“This financial aid is welcome news for the tens of thousands of assisted living providers and the hundreds of thousands of seniors they serve. For six months, assisted living caregivers have been diverting significant resources to help acquire personal protective equipment, testing, and additional support for staff. Funding from the federal government will help ensure assisted living providers continue these efforts to keep their residents and staff safe as well as remain a reliable long term care option for their local communities. Coupled with today's news that rapid, antigen tests are being delivered to assisted living communities across the country, we greatly appreciate HHS for recognizing the importance of supporting our long term care sector during this crisis."<br><div style="text-align:center;"><br></div><div style="text-align:center;">###<br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;"><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong><br><br><p>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="http://www.ncal.org/">www.ncal.org</a>.<br></p><br><br><br></div> | | Scott Tittle, executive director of NCAL, comments on the announcement from HHS regarding funding for assisted living facilities as provided by the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. |
| REPORT: COVID Cases in Nursing Homes Surpass Peak Level Back in May | aspx | | 8/17/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><br></p><div><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> - The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released an <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Aug17-2020.pdf" target="_blank">updated report</a> today showing the major spike of new COVID cases in nursing homes has now surpassed the peak level back on May 31, according to updated data released from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). <br></div><div><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/REPORT-COVID-Cases-in-Nursing-Homes-Surpass-Peak-Level-Back-in-May/Confirmed%20covid%20cases%20in%20US%20Nursing%20Homes%201.png" alt="Confirmed covid cases in US Nursing Homes 1.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="font-size:14.6667px;margin:5px;width:525px;" />The report shows the increase of COVID cases in U.S. nursing homes is a direct result of the major spikes in the general population of the Sun Belt region with 78 percent of new cases in U.S. nursing homes coming from those states by the end of July. <br></div><div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">According to the </span><a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Aug17-2020.pdf" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">report</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">, COVID-related deaths in nursing homes had declined significantly, but have started to increase again with 69 percent of COVID-related deaths in U.S. nursing homes coming from the Sun Belt. </span><br></div><div style="color:#555555;font-size:14.6667px;"><br></div><div style="color:#555555;font-size:14.6667px;">In an article in The Washington Post last week, Dr. David Grabowski, professor of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School stated, “The strongest predictor of whether or not we’ll see cases in [a particular setting] is community spread. We saw that in the Northeast and now, unfortunately, we’re seeing it in the Sun Belt states.”<br></div></div><div style="color:#555555;font-size:14.6667px;"><br></div><div>“With the recent major spikes of COVID cases in many states across the country, we were very concerned this trend would lead to an increase in cases in nursing homes and unfortunately it has,” stated <strong>Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living</strong>. “This is especially troubling since many nursing homes and other long term care facilities are still unable to acquire the personal protective equipment and testing they need to fully combat this virus.” </div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/REPORT-COVID-Cases-in-Nursing-Homes-Surpass-Peak-Level-Back-in-May/Percent%20of%20COVID%20Cases%20in%20US%20Nursing%20Homes%202.png" alt="Percent of COVID Cases in US Nursing Homes 2.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="font-size:14.6667px;margin:5px;width:525px;" /><div><br></div><div>While PPE shortages continue to be a major concern for long term care facilities, especially the lack of available N95 masks, the lack of reliable and rapid result testing has been the top concern among nursing home providers.</div><div><br></div><div>In the <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/AHCA-NCAL-Survey-Testing-Results.pdf" target="_blank">survey</a> AHCA/NCAL conducted back in June, 87 percent of nursing homes said tests for residents and staff was taking two days or longer to obtain results. One out of four nursing homes said it was taking five days or longer.</div><div><br></div><div>“What we need – now more than ever – is for our government leaders and lab companies from the private sector to work together to find a solution to prioritize and expedite the processing of tests for nursing home residents and caregivers,” stated Parkinson.                                    </div><div><br></div><div>In a recent CNN <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxbpOHuh4T8&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">interview</a>, Parkinson said governors and state public health agencies need to focus on reducing the level of COVID in the general population and ensuring nursing homes obtain the PPE supplies and reliable testing they need. </div><div><br></div><div>“If everybody would wear a mask and encourage their friends and family to wear a mask and social distance, we know we would dramatically reduce these rates. When people are making the conscience decision not to wear a mask, they are making a decision that is resulting in greater community spread and increasing the presence of the virus in long term care facilities resulting in senior deaths,” stated Parkinson. “Every governor needs to make a priority, particularly in states with an exploding number of cases, to make sure every long-term care facility has the N95 mask and testing they need. It’s the only way to bring the case counts down.”</div><div><br></div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/REPORT-COVID-Cases-in-Nursing-Homes-Surpass-Peak-Level-Back-in-May/Percent%20of%20COVID%20Related%20Deaths%20in%20Nursing%20Homes.png" alt="Percent of COVID Related Deaths in Nursing Homes.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="font-size:14.6667px;margin:5px;width:525px;" /><div>Recently, AHCA/NCAL sent a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/Letters/AHCA-NCAL%20NGA%20Letter%207.14.20.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a> to the National Governors Association (NGA) warning states of imminent outbreaks at nursing homes and assisted living facilities given the major spikes in new cases in several states across the U.S., combined with serious PPE shortages and <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/AHCA-NCAL-Survey-Testing-Results.pdf" target="_blank">significant delays</a> in getting testing results.</div><div><br></div><div>Parkinson is also urging Congress for an additional $100 billion for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund, which is accessible for all health care providers impacted by COVID-19, and that a sizeable portion of the fund be dedicated to helping nursing homes and assisted living communities acquire resources associated with protecting vulnerable residents and staff from the virus, including constant testing, PPE and staff support. Thus far, assisted living communities have not received any assistance from the federal government administering to the novel coronavirus, most pronounced testing, PPE and staffing costs.</div><div><br></div><div>“Without adequate funding and resources, the U.S. will end up repeating the same mistakes from several months ago. We need Congress to prioritize our vulnerable seniors and their caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living communities in this upcoming legislation.”</div><div><br></div><div>For more information, please visit <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/pages/coronavirus.aspx">www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus</a>. </div><div><br><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>.<br><br></div> | 78% of new cases in nursing homes from Sun Belt States | 78% of new cases in nursing homes from Sun Belt States |
| DATA: Nursing Homes See Spike in New COVID Cases Due to Community Spread | aspx | | 8/11/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> - The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Aug11-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report </a>today showing nursing homes in the U.S. have experienced an alarming spike in new COVID cases due to community spread among the general population according to recent data recently released from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The CMS data shows COVID cases in nursing homes significantly increased last month after having dropped significantly throughout the month of June.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/DATA-Nursing-Homes-See-Spike-in-New-COVID-Cases-Due-to-Community-Spread/chart%201.png" alt="chart 1.png" class="ms-rtePosition-4" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/DATA-Nursing-Homes-See-Spike-in-New-COVID-Cases-Due-to-Community-Spread/chart%202.png" alt="chart 2.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/DATA-Nursing-Homes-See-Spike-in-New-COVID-Cases-Due-to-Community-Spread/chart%203.png" alt="chart 3.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br>As <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Analysis-COVID-Outbreaks-in-Nursing-Homes.pdf" target="_blank">experts</a> have repeatedly noted, COVID-19 cases in a surrounding community is a top factor in outbreaks in nursing homes. Dr. David Grabowski, professor of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School recently stated, “According to preliminary research presented, larger facilities located in urban areas with large populations, particularly in counties with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 cases, were more likely to have reported cases.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“With the recent major spikes of COVID cases in many states across the country, we were very concerned this trend would lead to an increase in cases in nursing homes and unfortunately it has,” stated Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. “This is especially troubling since many nursing homes and other long term care facilities are still unable to acquire the personal protective equipment and testing they need to fully combat this virus.”</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Aug11-2020.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> also showed COVID-related deaths in nursing homes had declined significantly but have started to uptick again in recent weeks.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Parkinson and AHCA/NCAL recently sent a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/Letters/AHCA-NCAL%20NGA%20Letter%207.14.20.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a> to the National Governors Association (NGA) warning states of imminent outbreaks at nursing homes and assisted living facilities given the major spikes in new cases in several states across the U.S., combined with serious PPE shortages and <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/AHCA-NCAL-Survey-Testing-Results.pdf" target="_blank">significant delays</a> in getting testing results for long term care residents and caregivers which has been taking up to five days or more.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Given the fact we are several months into the response of this pandemic and the lack of PPE supplies is still an issue is very concerning. We request governors and state public health agencies to help secure and direct more PPE supplies to nursing homes and assisted living communities, especially N95 masks,” Parkinson wrote in the letter.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Using data from Johns Hopkins University, AHCA/NCAL released a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/State-Breakdown-COVID19-Testing-Positivity-Rates-PPE.pdf" target="_blank">state-by-state breakdown</a> showing 33 states with a positive COVID-19 test rate of higher than five percent and <a href="https://data.cms.gov/Special-Programs-Initiatives-COVID-19-Nursing-Home/COVID-19-Nursing-Home-Dataset/s2uc-8wxp/data" target="_blank">data</a> from CMS indicating many nursing homes are still facing significant PPE supply shortages especially for N95 masks and gowns.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>AHCA/NCAL is calling on public health officials to take immediate steps to protect nursing homes and assisted living communities especially in areas with significant uptick in new COVID cases.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Parkinson is also urging Congress for an additional $100 billion for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund, which is accessible for all health care providers impacted by COVID-19, and that a sizeable portion of the fund be dedicated to helping nursing homes and assisted living communities acquire resources associated with protecting vulnerable residents and staff from the virus, including constant testing, PPE and staff support.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Without adequate funding and resources, the U.S. will end up repeating the same mistakes from several months ago. We need Congress to prioritize our vulnerable seniors and their caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living communities in this upcoming legislation.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>For more information, please visit <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/pages/coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus</a>. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></span><br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ncal.org</a>.</span></p> | Industry leaders call on public health officials to send resources to long term care facilities and on Congress to provide additional funding in next COVID legislation | Industry leaders call on public health officials to send resources to long term care facilities and on Congress to provide additional funding in next COVID legislation. |
| Nursing Home Industry Applauds the Trump Administration for Providing An Additional $5 Billion to Help Protect Residents and Caregivers | aspx | | 7/22/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong style="font-size:11pt;">WASHINGTON, D.C</strong><span style="font-size:11pt;">. - The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement today after President Trump announced $5 billion in additional Provider Relief Funds allocated for nursing homes.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>"We appreciate the Administration sending this much-needed funding to our nursing homes to help ensure our facilities have the personal protective equipment (PPE), access to testing and staffing needed to keep our residents and caregivers safe. This funding is an important step forward for nursing homes in our fight against this deadly virus.” <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">Overall nursing homes are making progress as data shows that new cases are down; however, the growing number of new COVID cases in </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">states across the country is very concerning, which is why continued support, like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing today, is vital to helping long term care facilities keep this virus out of our buildings.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“With the recent major spikes of COVID cases throughout the nation and recent </span><a href="/News/news_releases/Documents/Analysis-COVID-Outbreaks-in-Nursing-Homes.pdf" style="font-size:11pt;">independent research</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> showing the level of COVID cases in the surrounding community serving as the top factor in outbreaks in long term care facilities, conducting more testing with reliable and rapid results is paramount. We are hopeful that the announcement today will help accelerate the rollout of improved testing, and that the Administration will continue to support long term care providers in carrying out this endeavor.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“While this funding is a significant step forward, it is equally important for Congress to provide an additional $100 billion for the HHS Provider Relief Fund, which is accessible to all health care providers impacted by COVID-19, and that a sizeable portion of the fund be dedicated to helping both </span><a href="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Nursing-Homes-Request-Priority-and-Funding-From-Congress-in-Next-COVID-Bill-to-Protect-Residents-and-Caregivers.aspx" style="font-size:11pt;">nursing homes</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> and </span><a href="/News/news_releases/Documents/COVID_AL_Funding_Joint_Letter_Jul16.pdf" style="font-size:11pt;">assisted living communities</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> to cover the enormous costs associated with protecting vulnerable residents and staff from the virus.”</span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>.<br></div><p></p> | Call On Congress To Prioritize Additional Resources and Support For Long Term Care Providers In Next COVID Legislation | |
| Nursing Homes Request Priority and Funding From Congress in Next COVID Bill to Protect Residents and Caregivers | aspx | | 7/21/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <ul><li><strong></strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Nursing homes and assisted living communities ask for funding for testing, PPE supplies and workforce, and priority for vaccine distribution. </strong></span></li><li><strong>Nursing homes received only 4.3 percent of $175 billion Provider Relief Fund from CARES Act; zero funding for assisted living communities</strong></li><li><strong>By nearly a five-to-one margin (71 percent), women voters ages 34 to 65 say long term care facilities need more support from the government to save lives and take care of loved ones.</strong></li></ul><p><strong style="font-size:11pt;"><br>WASHINGTON, D.C</strong><span style="font-size:11pt;">.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> - The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, called on Congress today to ensure dedicated funding and priority attention is given to long term care residents and caregivers.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The long term care industry is requesting an additional $100 billion for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund, which is accessible for all health care providers impacted by COVID-19, and that a sizeable portion of the fund be dedicated to helping nursing homes and assisted living communities cover the enormous costs associated with protecting vulnerable residents and staff from the virus, including constant testing, personal protective equipment (PPE) and staffing.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Currently, nursing homes have only received approximately 4.3 percent of the $175 billion funding allocated from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund for healthcare providers. Meanwhile, assisted living communities have yet to receive any direct federal aid.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“With the recent major spikes of COVID cases in many states across the country, we are very concerned this trend will lead to a dramatic increase in cases in nursing homes and assisted living communities,” stated Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.  “Without adequate funding and resources, the U.S. will end up repeating the same mistakes from several months ago.  We need Congress to prioritize nursing homes and assisted living communities in this upcoming legislation.”<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>According to a recent national <a href="/News/news_releases/Documents/Survey-Summary-COVID-LTC-July2020Update.pdf">survey</a> of women voters ages 35 to 64 undertaken by AHCA/NCAL, a key voting block in the upcoming November election,<strong> 62 percent</strong> felt that the government did not make long term care facilities a top priority. By nearly a <strong>five-to-one margin</strong>, these voters (<strong>71 percent</strong>) say that long term care facilities need more support from the government so they can save lives and take care of our loved ones.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Parkinson said PPE supply shortages and a lack of access to reliable, rapid testing is still a major issue for many nursing homes. Nearly nine in 10 (87 percent) nursing homes and assisted living communities said obtaining test results back from the lab companies is taking two days or longer (63 percent – two to four days, 24 percent five days or more) according to a recent survey. Nearly 12 percent of nursing homes report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that they have less than a one-week supply of N-95 masks, and more than half of assisted living communities have less than a two-week supply of N-95 masks and gowns.  N-95 masks were not included in the last FEMA shipments to nursing homes and remain difficult to acquire.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Recent <a href="/News/news_releases/Documents/Analysis-COVID-Outbreaks-in-Nursing-Homes.pdf">independent research</a> by Harvard Medical School, Brown University’s School of Public Health and University of Chicago showed the level of COVID cases in the surrounding community was the top factor in outbreaks in nursing homes.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>AHCA/NCAL recently sent a letter last week to the National Governors Association (NGA) warning states of imminent outbreaks at nursing homes and assisted living facilities given the major spikes in new cases in several states across the U.S., combined with serious PPE shortages and significant delays in getting testing results for long term care residents and caregivers.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Given the fact we are several months into the response of this pandemic and the lack of PPE supplies is still an issue is very concerning.  We request governors and state public health agencies to help secure and direct more PPE supplies to nursing homes and assisted living communities,” Parkinson wrote in the letter.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>As part of their funding request to Congress, the long term care industry is requesting a $5 billion fund to which labs and nursing homes or assisted living communities can apply to cover the costs of any testing ordered by a governmental entity.  At present, it is not clear who is covering the cost of surveillance testing and how much needs to be done, especially for staff.  AHCA/NCAL said funding for testing should be available until an effective vaccine is fully deployed.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>AHCA/NCAL also requested Congress to direct the CDC to ensure that nursing home and assisted living residents and staff are the first and </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">highest priority for vaccine distribution since they are the most vulnerable and at risk.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>A full list of the long term care industry’s request for Congress in the next stimulus package can be found <a href="/News/news_releases/Documents/Stimulus-4-Asks.pdf">here</a>.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>For more information, please visit <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/pages/coronavirus.aspx">www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus</a>. </span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>.<br><br></div> | | The long term care industry is requesting an additional $100 billion for the HHS Provider Relief Fund, which is accessible for all health care providers impacted by COVID-19. |
| AHCA/NCAL Issues Statement Following CMS Announcement On Point Of Care Testing For Nursing Homes | aspx | | 7/14/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong></strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement after Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma announced today that COVID-19 point-of-care testing devices will be distributed to 2,000 nursing homes across the country.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Today’s announcement from Administrator Verma is welcome news for long term care residents, staff and providers. Repeated, ongoing testing is the only way we are going to beat this virus. Regular testing of nursing home and assisted living staff is a vital step in controlling the spread of COVID-19, but is not effective without obtaining timely test results. For nursing homes and assisted living communities to protect residents and staff, we need on-site testing with reliable and rapid results.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“The facilities that will receive these machines will be able to conduct on-site testing and receive timely results. Recently, 87% of nursing homes and assisted living communities said obtaining test results back from lab companies is taking multiple days or more to process.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Due to the nature of this virus, every interaction is a risk. Social distancing is not an option, as residents need personal, one-on-one care and assistance with daily activities. That is why nursing homes and assisted living communities have been calling for access to additional testing, personal protective equipment and staffing. With the proper resources, long term care facilities can better identify who has the virus and make tactical decisions to protect residents and staff. We look forward to working with HHS and Administrator Verma to expand this program and make rapid testing widely available for more providers in the coming months.”</span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>.<br></div><div><br></div> | | The statement follows an announcement from CMS Administrator Seema Verma that COVID-19 point-of-care testing devices will be distributed to 2,000 nursing homes across the country. |
| AHCA Issues Statement Following House Subcommittee Hearing On the COVID-19 Crisis and Nursing Homes | aspx | | 6/25/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong></strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Washington, D.C.</strong> – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement after a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Health Subcommittee on the COVID-19 crisis and nursing homes.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“We appreciate today’s discussion on the disproportionate affect COVID-19 has had on our nation’s long term care residents and staff. Our heroic caregivers have been on the frontlines since the onset of the pandemic, fighting to protect our country’s most vulnerable. With strength and bravery, the majority of residents in our care who have tested positive for the virus have made a full recovery. They are our inspiration to continue to provide high quality of care in the midst of challenging circumstances.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“For nursing homes and assisted living communities, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Now more than ever, our residents and staff need ongoing prioritization and resources to prevent future outbreaks. We still lack reliable access to widespread testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and staffing support. While we are grateful for the help we have received in recent months, more must be done. As the witness Dr. David Grabowski highlighted today, outbreaks in nursing homes are directly linked to the amount of spread in the surrounding community, and the residents and staff of these impacted facilities desperately need additional support.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“We cannot continue to fight this battle without the proper funding for these critical resources. We are committed to working with Members of Congress on solutions that will help us meet the needs of our residents and caregivers.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">It is past time for policymakers and the public health sector to rally around long term care facilities and give them the support they deserve.”</span></p><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>.</span></div> | | The statement follows a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Health Subcommittee on the COVID-19 crisis and nursing homes. |
| AHCA/NCAL Praises Appointment of Long Term Care Providers, Other Stakeholders to Independent Commission | aspx | | 6/19/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong></strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. </strong>– The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">released the following statement after members of the newly-formed Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes were </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">announced by MITRE today.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“We are pleased to see a variety of stakeholders named to the Commission, including dedicated providers and valued partners Debra Fournier, Camille Jordan, Dr. Rosie Lyles, Neil Pruitt, Jr., and Janet Snipes. These professionals have devoted their lives to serving our nation’s seniors and improving the quality of care in America’s long term care facilities. Their leadership at the national level, including with AHCA/NCAL, will serve the Commission well as it evaluates ways to protect our most vulnerable from COVID-19.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Bringing providers, residents, families, experts and policymakers together is essential in fostering a more collaborate approach to addressing this once-in-a-century crisis. Nursing homes cannot beat this pandemic alone, and focusing on enforcement and penalties neither recognizes the nature of the virus nor solves the problem. Providers need the support of public health officials to prioritize our residents and help facilities acquire the necessary resources. We hope the independent Commission will address this critical need. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“As the Commission begins its work, nursing homes and other long term care facilities are still in the day-to-day battle of keeping the virus at bay. Providers continue to face ongoing challenges in accessing and affording surveillance testing, personal protective equipment and additional staff support. Meanwhile, many states are re-opening portions of society, which is contributing to an increase in cases in some areas of the country. We want to get residents out of isolation and adapt visitations, so they can safely see loved ones again. But we must remain vigilant as research indicates that community spread is correlated with outbreaks in nursing homes, and we have yet to receive the level of resources we need. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“We look forward to working with the Commission as it conducts this important work, but long term care facilities need immediate assistance now. Public health officials at every level can help in this effort by prioritizing long term care for testing, PPE, staffing and funding. Let’s work together now and in the coming months to rally around our nation’s Greatest Generation and our frontline heroes.”</span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>. <br></div><p><br></p> | Association Calls For a Collaborative Approach in Addressing a Once-In-A-Century Pandemic | |
| AHCA/NCAL Statement In Response To Updated CMS, CDC Data On Nursing Homes And COVID-Related Cases | aspx | | 6/18/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong></strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>(WA</strong></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>SHINGTON, DC)</strong></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement in response to today’s updated data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)  and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 and nursing homes.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>T</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">he following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“This report shows what we have known for months, that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts seniors with chronic conditions and the dedicated staff who care for them. This also validates the call for assistance that nursing homes have been making since the beginning of this pandemic.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“We understand that there may be some questions about the data and adjustments made due to obvious challenges with launching a new reporting system in the midst of a pandemic. Regardless, one life is one too many to lose, and we hope this data will show public health officials the urgent need to prioritize resources to protect long term care staff and residents.  <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>“Whether it’s federal, state or local health agencies, long term care residents and staff need to be a priority for supplies and support. It’s time that America rally around our nation’s seniors and caregivers just as they did with hospitals."  <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>For more information, please visit <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/pages/coronavirus.aspx">www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus</a>. </span></p><div> </div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span></div><p><br></p> | | |
| AHCA/NCAL Responds to U.S. House Inquiry Concerning COVID-19 | aspx | | 6/16/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong style="font-size:11pt;">WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"> - The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement in response to the inquiry by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis in the U.S. House of Representatives concerning the long term care industry’s response to the pandemic.</span></p><div><br></div><div>The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL: </div><div><br></div><div>“America’s nursing homes and assisted living communities have been on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 and have performed heroic work to keep their residents and staff safe. From the earliest days of this pandemic, we have been sounding the alarm and calling for help. Unfortunately, in far too many instances, our residents and caregivers were not made a priority.</div><div><br></div><div>“Research by David C. Grabowski, PhD, a professor of health care policy in the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School; Vincent Mor, PhD, professor of Health Services and Policy at Brown University; and R. Tamara Konetzka, PhD, professor of Health Services Research at the University of Chicago, found that the likelihood of outbreaks in nursing homes are most directly correlated with the size of the outbreak in the larger community where a facility is located, with little to no correlation to facility ownership structure, staffing or quality ratings. </div><div><br></div><div>“As long term care providers have gained access to testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), staffing support and other assistance, they have increasingly been better able to respond to this crisis and prevent outbreaks. Meanwhile, the vast majority of residents diagnosed with the virus are recovering or are likely to recover. This underscores the fact that what is needed most is continued support for long term care residents and providers, especially as states move to reopen and local outbreaks increase.  </div><div><br></div><div>“AHCA/NCAL and our members appreciate any opportunity to work in collaboration with lawmakers to advance solutions that enable us to better serve the residents in our care. While the federal and state governments have been helpful, much more is still needed as this pandemic is far from over. We hope this process will provide an opportunity to have a productive discussion about ways we can continue to work together to protect the vulnerable population we serve.”</div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>. <br><br></div> | | |
| AHCA/NCAL Issues Statement Following House Select Subcommittee Hearing On The Coronavirus | aspx | | 6/11/2020 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><strong>Washington, D.C. </strong>– The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement after a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.</div><div><br></div><div>The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL: </div><div><br></div><div>“Nursing homes and assisted living communities have been on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 and we appreciate today’s robust discussion about the pandemic and all we are doing to safeguard those in our care. Our heroic caregivers are working around the clock in the face of extraordinary circumstances to protect our residents. Thanks to their tremendous sacrifice, the majority of those who are infected – despite being extremely vulnerable to the virus due to ongoing health conditions – make a full recovery.</div><div><br></div><div>“In order to ensure more recoveries and prevent future spread, long term care providers must have the resources they need. Our greatest challenge remains lack of widespread testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and staffing support. We appreciate the renewed focus in prioritizing testing and PPE for nursing homes and assisted living communities, but more must be done. Lack of proper funding for these critical supplies puts our caregivers and the residents they care for at a severe disadvantage. </div><div><br></div><div>“It’s not too late to make improvements. The health and well-being of our residents and caregivers will always be our highest priority, and we look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to help meet these critical needs.” </div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx">www.ahcancal.org</a> or <a href="/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx">www.ncal.org</a>. <br><br></div> | | |