| The
American Health Care Association (AHCA) is a non-profit federation of affiliated
state health organizations, together representing nearly 12,000 non-profit and
for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, developmentally-disabled, and subacute
care providers that care for more than 1.5 million elderly and disabled individuals
nationally.
AHCA
represents the long term care community to the nation at large - to government,
business leaders, and the general public. It also serves as a force for change
within the long term care field, providing information, education, and administrative
tools that enhance quality at every level.
At
its Washington, DC headquarters, the association maintains legislative, regulatory
and public affairs, as well as member services staffs which work both internally
and externally to assist the interests of government and the general public, as
well as member providers. In that respect, AHCA represents its membership to all
publics, and national leadership to its members.
At
its second conference as an organization, in 1949, AHCA established tenets which
still stand today, though somewhat expanded and particularized: The object of
this association shall be:
- to
improve the standards of service and administration of member nursing homes.
- to
secure and merit public and official recognition and approval of the work of nursing
homes.
- to
adopt and promote programs of education, legislation, better understanding and
mutual cooperation.
The
ultimate focus is on providing quality care to the nation's frail, elderly and
disabled, who are served by the long term care professionals who comprise AHCA's
membership. These providers believe that the individuals whom they serve are entitled
to a supportive environment in which professional and compassionate care is delivered.
This belief compels AHCA, its affiliates and member providers to advocate for
individuals who - because of social needs, disability, trauma or illness - require
services provided in a long term care setting, while also advocating for the continuing
vitality of long term care provider community.
AHCA
believes this necessitates their commitment to developing necessary and reasonable
public policies which balance economic and regulatory principles to support quality
care and quality of life, and is dedicated to professionalism and ethical behavior
among all who provide long term care.
For
a list of AHCA state affiliates visit: http://www.ahca.org/who/pubstate.htm
####
|
