BENEFITS OF A KHCA MEMBERSHIP

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
Contact with lawmakers is vital to the future of long term care facilities in Kansas. It is virtually impossible for each individual facility to be heard on its own. KHCA serves as the voice for all its members by keeping the Legislature informed of the needs of elderly and infirm residents, as well as problems and concerns expressed by Medicaid and Medicare providers. KHCA continues to work hard for reimbursement that is adequate to meet the needs of caring for long term care facility residents. During the legislative session, reports are sent to all members of KHCA to keep them abreast of situations that have an effect on long term care.

EDUCATION
Continuing education is one of the keys to providing quality care to residents. With the help of its members, KHCA keeps up to date on current trends in the profession and offers extensive educational programming for every member of the long term care team -- from administrators and directors of nursing to nurse aides and maintenance personnel. KHCA's programs cover a wide range of topics in care delivery and facility operations. Besides Winter Conference, Spring Conference and Convention, individual workshops are presented throughout the state by KHCA and its eight Districts.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
KHCA recognizes the importance of public relations for the long term care profession. KHCA sponsors awards annually that recognize all staff, volunteers and others who contribute to quality of care and life for residents. On a national level, the American Health Care Association provides highly professional public information in Kansas and throughout the country. AHCA conveys messages that encourage communities to become involved in local long term care and assisted living facility activities through volunteerism and other activities.

NATIONAL AFFILIATION
Your membership in KHCA automatically secures your membership in the American Health Care Association with offices in the nation's capital. The value of a national affiliation cannot be over-emphasized. What KHCA does for you on the state level, AHCA does on the national level.  AHCA's "Campaign to Save Long Term Care" is proposing additional federal funding of $20 billion through the Medicaid program for long term care services. AHCA is a federation of 50 state associations, working to represent the common interests of long term care facilities across the country.

Involvement in the Kansas Health Care Association / Kansas Center for Assisted Living is the best way for you to influence association and state policy decisions affecting the present and future of long term care in this state.