Upcoming Illinois Health Care Association Events
FEBRUARY 2026
February 25 | Excellence In Action Symposium (Virtual)
Join us on February 25, 2026, for our new Excellence in Action Symposium! This virtual event will bring together long term care professionals committed to advancing excellence in resident care, regulatory performance, and organizational leadership. Designed for administrators, nurses, department leaders, and owners, this symposium empowers participants to lead with confidence, strengthen teams, and turn quality initiatives into measurable results.
MARCH 2026
March 5 & 6 | Licensure Review Course for Nursing Home Administrators (Virtual)
Presenter: Michelle Stuercke, RN, MSN, DNP, MPA, LNHA, QCP | TCM Consulting & Management
To obtain a Nursing Home Administrator License in the state of Illinois, candidates must pass both the national examination of the National Association of Boards of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (NAB Exam) and the Illinois Supplemental Jurisdictional Exam.
This two-day review course was specifically designed to help candidates prepare for and pass their examinations and is offered each quarter prior to the test dates for the Illinois Supplemental Jurisdictional Exam and the NAB Exams. This virtual program is conducted using the Webex platform.
March 10 | New Laws in Effect and One on the Horizon (Virtual)
Presenters: Neville Bilimoria, JD | Duane Morris LLP; Ashley Snavely | IHCA; Illinois Hospice Representative
This year brings about changes to the Anti-Retaliation law (HB2474) and Involuntary Transfer and Discharge for SNFs/ALs (HB1597). In addition, the End-of-Life Options for the Terminally Ill (SB1950) will be in effect by the end of the year. Join us on March 10, 2026, to discuss these important legislative issues and learn what you need to put changes in place at your facility.
The information presented will be beneficial for SNF and AL/SLP providers. Participants will earn 1 CE credit for attending.
 This informative webinar is FREE for IHCA members, but you MUST register in advance.
 REGISTER
March 17 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Tracking and Trending for Infection Control
Presenter: Deb Martin, RN, BSN | CE Solutions/VGM Education
Infection control tracking is not an easy task in long term care. During this session, we will discuss what needs to be tracked and recorded to ensure that not only are requirements being met, but you are identifying any trends and potential harm to residents, visitors, and staff.
APRIL 2026
April 15 | Lobby Day | Location: Illinois State Capitol
Make your voice heard for long term care at IHCA Lobby Day on April 15 at the Illinois State Capitol. The day kicks off with a focused educational session worth 1 CE, followed by in-person legislative meetings to advocate for the residents and providers we serve. Lunch is included, and participants will leave informed, energized, and directly engaged in shaping policy that impacts long term care.
There is no charge to attend, but participants must register so we have an accurate count for the day.
April 21 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Driving Excellence: How QRP Measures Impact SNF Quality, Compliance, and Reimbursement
Presenter: Carey Patton RN, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA | Synergy Care, Inc.
This presentation provides a focused, practical overview of the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) and its direct influence on quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, and Medicare reimbursement. It is designed to help SNF leaders and clinical professionals understand not only what CMS requires, but why these measures matter and how performance directly affects financial stability and survey readiness.
Participants will gain clarity on current QRP measures, the consequences of noncompliance, and strategies for using QRP data to drive meaningful quality improvement. The session emphasizes proactive use of outcomes data to strengthen care delivery, support compliance, and sustain reimbursement under CMS requirements.
MAY 2026
May 6 - 12 | LTCNA Resources for Success Nurses Conference (Virtual)
May 19 & 20 | Licensure Review Course for Nursing Home Administrators (Virtual)
May 21 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Legal Updates for SNF/AL
Presenter: Neville Bilimoria, JD | Duane Morris LLP
Join us for this informative session with experienced healthcare law attorney Neville Bilimoria from Duane Morris LLP. Mr. Bilimoria will go over current hot topics in healthcare law that are important to long term care providers, including cannabis use in facilities, and other hot-button issues. Have a burning legal question? This is your chance to ask the expert!
JUNE 2026
June 3 | ID/DD Symposium | Location: Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center in Springfield, IL (this event is being offered as in-person and virtual)
June 16 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Beyond Rates: The Power of Balance
Presenter: Megan Kester | HPSI Purchasing Services
Escalating operating costs, tightening reimbursement models, and increased financial pressure are reshaping the way senior living and healthcare organizations approach long-term sustainability. While rate increases may seem like the simplest solution, they often introduce risk and uncertainty.
This session provides a strategic framework for strengthening financial performance by effectively balancing revenue optimization with disciplined cost control. Participants will gain insight into proven, practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to reduce expenses—without compromising quality of care or operational integrity.
JULY 2026
July 21 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Medicaid: The Truth about Resources, Spenddowns, and Penalties
Presenter: Sara Saric | Saric Consulting, Inc.
This session will discuss allowable vs. non-allowable transfers, how non-allowable transfers affect a resident's eligibility, and what causes a penalty with loss of funds to a facility. Presenter Sara Saric will provide participants with a review of resources per PM/WAG 07-02, with an emphasis on allowable transfers in 07-02-20b and Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment rules.
AUGUST 2026
August 18 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Therapy Topic
SEPTEMBER 2026
September 1 & 2 | Licensure Review Course for Nursing Home Administrators (Virtual)
September 15 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Senior Living Services Billing 101
September 21 - 23 | 76th Annual IHCA Convention & Expo | Embassy Suites by Hilton Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center (Peoria)
OCTOBER 2026
October 20 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Nourishing Profits: Malnutrition’s Impact on Care and Reimbursement
Mid October - December 31 | IHCA Virtual ConventionÂ
NOVEMBER 2026
November 10 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Bridging Quality and Reimbursement: Value-Based Care Imperatives for SNFs
November - December 31 | IHCA Virtual ConventionÂ
DECEMBER 2026
December 15 | Lunch & Learn Series | Topic: Risk Management
December - December 31 | IHCA Virtual ConventionÂ
Education Suggestions
Do you have a topic you’d like IHCA to cover, a training your staff needs but you can’t find, or a speaker you’d like to hear? Let us know! Click here to fill out submit an Education Suggestion to IHCA.
The Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) will offer other webinars or in-person events as the need arises and will offer virtual options for some in-person events or will record the events to make them available on the IHCA Education Access On-Demand platform. For more information about these and other events/webinars at IHCA, please contact Ashley Caldwell, 217-528-6455.Â