The LeadingAge National Board is taking up nursing home survey and cert reform as a LEAD Advocacy priority – with a two pronged strategy – one focused on CMS, and the other to advance a comprehensive survey and certification reform bill. There will be multi-faceted approach to advancing the priority, including a major push during member Hill visits at the national PEAK Leadership Summit in Washington, DC in March.
In the meantime, the national policy team is drafting a bill, developing messaging and strategy, and meeting with members of Congress about the nurse aide training lock-out and other issues. Another component of advocacy will be the piloting of alternative survey approaches. The national team reports that they frequently use the example of Kansas survey and enforcement as a clear evidence that reform is needed.
The LeadingAge Kansas Board and the national policy team met via conference call earlier this week, to discuss the national initiative and provide input/feedback.