Government Relations and Advocacy in Long Term Care

The long-term care industry faces a pivotal transition as the incoming Trump administration and a Republican-led Congress shift the legislative focus toward regulatory efficiency and quality improvement. Eliminating the unrealistic, data-deficient unfunded staffing mandate remains the primary legislative priority for the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living. Beyond this immediate goal, the industry seeks to move from a defensive posture to a proactive, collaborative partnership with federal agencies to address workforce shortages through recruitment incentives and loan forgiveness. Success depends on bridging the gap between policymakers and providers, specifically through facility tours that demonstrate the daily realities of care. By fostering direct engagement between local operators and elected officials, the sector aims to replace punitive regulatory oversight with collaborative, data-driven solutions that enhance patient outcomes across the post-acute care landscape.