Join IHCA

IHCA is a proactive, statewide association with a strong national presence, which represents its members through the perpetual changes in the long-term care profession.

IHCA is committed to providing its members with up-to-date, relevant information. A dedicated staff of professionals work on public policy, and state and federal legislative, regulatory and judicial initiatives.

IHCA full members include Geriatric, DD Services, and Skilled Pediatric facilities, CILAs, Assisted Living and Shared Housing establishments, and SLFs. Other members include vendors and suppliers and long-term care professionals/individuals not working in a long-term care facility. Members are divided into six geographic regions.

IHCA members receive the following benefits:

Education

Educational Seminars

IHCA offers a wide variety of education sessions for all disciplines. CEUs are always offered for administrators and social workers. Most seminars are offered at three sites throughout the state. We also offer a rigorous review course on a quarterly basis to help you prepare for the nursing home administrator licensure examination.

Annual Convention and Trade Show

IHCA holds the largest convention and trade show in Illinois for long-term care professionals. The event includes more than 100 educational sessions. The trade show features exhibits of the latest technology and services available to long-term care professionals.

Social and entertainment events are included for fun and networking. The state's top volunteers, nurses, administrators/RSDs, and legislators are recognized during the convention as well.

Communications

Members Only

An in-depth weekly electronic newsletter, Members Only, covers state and national long-term care news, association news, regulatory issues, and clinical and legal updates. Special attention is paid to special populations and assisted living issues. The companion to Members Only is Vendors Only , specially prepared for IHCA associate and professional members.

Member Alerts

Special Member Alerts and Legislative Alerts are used to inform members of late breaking developments or to implement a call for action. These Alerts are faxed and e-mailed to members.

Latest Information Via the Web

Log on to www.ihca.com to review the day's “Hot Topics,” to post an ad, or to download state and federal information of interest. The site contains an extensive consumer section with a searchable listing of member facilities and programs. Members can link their web sites to www.ihca.com for a small fee.

Membership Directory and Buyers Guide

IHCA publishes a comprehensive membership directory that includes many resources including IHCA , state, and national contacts. Use the directory to stay in touch with your colleagues between organized meetings, and to contact vendors of goods and services you need to perform your job better.

Networking Opportunities

Regional Meetings

IHCA membership is divided into six geographic regions. Every quarter, members of each region gather to conduct IHCA and constituency business. Meetings include a one-hour educational presentation on a pertinent long-term care issue, a general business meeting, and a constituency meeting. Attendees receive one administrator CEU credit for the educational program. Regional meetings provide an excellent opportunity to network with peers.

A Voice in Springfield and Washington

Legislative Strategy

Meaningful change can only be accomplished through well-planned, coordinated legislative efforts. Our Board, constituencies, and committees establish legislative objectives to address reimbursement and regulatory issues.

Representation

IHCA is the only long-term care association that has a presence at the State Capitol every session day. Member legislative contacts compliment the efforts of the IHCA staff.

Tracking

IHCA staff reviews the Illinois Register each week to keep members apprised of pending regulatory changes. Often, our comments result in changes to these rules. Staff also reviews each bill and amendment introduced in the Illinois General Assembly, drafts amendments and coordinates testimony for legislative hearings.

IHCA /PAC

IHCA 's Political Action Committee provides educational programs and opportunities to socialize with legislators in Springfield and in their districts. IHCA -PAC monitors the state's political climate, and raises funds to support candidates who support adequately financed, quality care.

Regulatory Expertise

IHCA staff includes several regulatory experts who provide guidance to members concerning rules and regulations and to assist in resolving issues that arise during surveys. Members and staff also work with state agencies to draft and amend regulations.

IHCA representatives serve on the:

• Long Term Care Advisory Board
• Assisted Living and Shared Housing Advisory Board
• Nursing Home Administrator s Licensing and Disciplinary Board
• State Board of Health
• TRIAD
• Illinois Coalition for Nursing Resources, UAP Task Force, Nurse Aide Advisory Committee ,
• Illinois Foundation for Quality Health Care Medicare Consumer Advisory Committee
• Illinois Foundation for Quality Health Care 21st Century Healthy for Life Adult Immunization Coalition
• Department of Human Services Statewide Advisory Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Nursing Issues Ad Hoc Committees, and
• Contracts, Finance, Quality, Safe Environments, Training and Strategic Planning

Discounted Products and Services

IHCA members qualify for these value-added programs:

CareWatch™ (MDS data tool)

Copesan ( Pest Control)

HealthCare Associates Credit Union

M.E.S./HPSI (Group Purchasing)

U.S. Risk Insurance Group (Liability Insurance)

Cost of Membership

IHCA dues are based upon licensed beds and program slots.

For More Information

For additional information or to schedule a personal visit to our offices or to attend an IHCA meeting, contact David A. Voepel, Executive Director at (800) 252-8988 or dvoepel@ihca.com .