As the first quarter of 2023 concludes this week, Congress will begin the second quarter with a two-week recess starting next week. Despite this recess, it’s going to be a busy spring and summer on the Hill. There are some priorities pending on AHCA/NCAL’s to do list and now is a good time for members to push these important issues. Below are a few key items to be aware of as the second quarter approaches:
- Unfunded Staffing Mandate
- The proposed rule is to be released around the end of April.
- Until the rule is released, call your Member of Congress and ask them to call the White House and tell them no to an unfunded staffing mandate.
- Once the rule is released, AHCA/NCAL will have a grassroots campaign to submit formal comments on the rule and we need all hands on deck. Details to come.
- H.R. 468 TNA Bill
- House Sponsor: Brett Guthrie (R-2-KY) & Madeleine Dean (D-4-PA).
- House Cosponsors: 23 (10 D's, 12 R's) Click here for Cosponsor List.
- This bill provides a responsible grace period of 24 months to continue the emergency waivers after the public health emergency ends, enabling all TNAs who wish to become CNAs. The grace period accommodates the time that is needed for training and testing capacities to meet demands.
- Reach out to your Representative and ask them to support long term care and cosponsor H.R. 468 today.
- Facility/Community Tours
- Tours are one of our best tools in advocacy. Get your Member of Congress into a facility or community for them to see firsthand the day-to-day experience in the long term care community.
- If you are interested in hosting a tour and would like assistance, then please reach out to Heather Posthumus.
- Congressional Calendar
- This calendar shows when both the Senate and House are in session and when they are back in the district. It is during the district time that it is ideal to invite them to a facility/community tour.
- Congressional Briefing
- June 5-6, 2023, in Washington, DC.
- Register today and join us as we advocate for long term care.
There are two months before we gather in Washington, DC for Congressional Briefing. Take this opportunity to reach out to your Members of Congress and get them involved through any of the ways listed above. Then we will gather in Washington, DC and take it to The Hill.
If you have questions regarding any of these items, please contact someone from the AHCA/NCAL Government Relations team.