Governmental Relations
Governmental action and legislation shape the long term care industry and its profitability. LNHA protects members' interests in labor issues, economic issues, regulatory issues and tax matters before irresponsible and unrealistic laws are passed. Our lobbyist and executive director represent the interests of the long term care industry in the legislative and regulatory arena, striving to achieve the best socio-economic climate for long term care operators to be successful.
Additionally, political action committees are created to make financial contributions to candidates and work toward political goals. LNH-PAC solicits voluntary contributions from members in order to contribute legally to political campaigns. Industry-wide participation is more effective than individual contributions, and for the nursing home industry, LNH-PAC has proven to be a valuable asset in LNHA's lobbying in Baton Rouge and in Washington D.C.
Education
LNHA offers seminars throughout the year at various sites in Louisiana, providing continuing education units or certifications to administrators, nurses, social workers, and resident activity directors.
In addition to the numerous educational offerings throughout the year, the LNHA Annual Convention & Trade Show, as well as the Spring Conference, offer outstanding educational opportunities for owners, administrators and management company personnel, as well as nurses, activity directors, social workers and dietary managers.
Publications and Communications
LNHA keeps abreast of changes in the industry and keeps its more than 250 member homes informed through:
- Executive Director's Memo: a weekly message from LNHA Executive Director Joe Donchess, providing his insight and perspective on the profession's most current issues.
- Lagniappe: a bi-weekly newsletter, keeps you abreast of health-related, legislative and regulatory activity as well as insightful stories and new developments in long term care.
- LNHA's Membership Directory & Buyers Guide: provides easy access to LNHA colleagues and also gives information on accessing state agency personnel and legislators. (Click here to order the most recent edition of the Buyers Guide.)
- Bi-Weekly Updates: information packets are sent to all member homes by mail and give the most extensive up-to-date information related to long term care, regulations and new technology.
Public Relations
An integral part of LNHA is fostering an understanding of long term care with the public through special programs media relations and advertising campaigns. LNHA employs a full-time
communications director to facilitate the flow of information to the media and the membership and to assist members with their public relations activities.
Peer Assistance
To maintain high standards in meeting the needs of residents, LNHA offers Peer Assistance upon request. The program offers peer evaluation of a facility, and provides a complete critique of the nursing home.
Model Programs
From self insurance for workers comp, group health, property and casualty to in-service training and purchasing programs, LNHA is constantly searching for and improving services offered to members.
Regulatory Guidance
Louisiana's nursing homes are highly regulated in the public interest by local, state and federal agencies, and reimbursement of Medicare and Medicaid resident care involves further regulation, inspection and reporting. LNHA employs a full-time
regulatory director as well as a
reimbursement director to insure that members are well-informed and well-equipped to deal with the burdens of such heavy regulation.
