Texas Health Care Association PAC 2018 primary endorsements

Governor Greg Abbott Lt. Governor Dan Patrick The state senators endorsed by THCAPAC are:

• Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) SD 5
• Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) SD 15
• Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) SD 17
• Sen. Donna Campbell (R-San Antonio) SD 25
• Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) SD 30
• Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) SD 31
• Angela Paxton, (R-McKinney) Republican Primary SD8

The House members endorsed by THCAPAC are:

• Rep. Chris Paddie (R-Marshall) HD 9
• Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) HD 11
• Rep. Ernest Bailes (R-Shepherd) HD 18
• Rep. Wayne Faircloth (R-Galveston) HD 23
• Rep. Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City) HD 31
• Rep. René Oliviera (D-Brownsville) HD 37
• Rep. Bobby Guerra (D-McAllen) HD 41
• Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin) HD 47
• Rep. Scott Cosper (R-Killeen) HD 54
• Rep. Hugh Shine (R-Temple) HD 55
• Rep. J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville) HD 59
• Rep. Lynn Stucky (R-Denton) HD 64
• Rep. Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) HD 65
• Rep. Mary González (D-El Paso) HD 75
• Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) HD 87
• Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) HD 88
• Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) HD 98
• Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) HD 99
• Rep. Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) HD 100
• Rep. Linda Koop (R-Dallas) HD 102
• Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas) HD 104
• Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) HD 114
• Rep. Diana Arévalo (D-San Antonio) HD 116
• Rep. Phillip Cortez (D-San Antonio) HD 117
• Rep. Tomas Uresti (D-San Antonio) HD 118
• Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) HD 122
• Rep. Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio) HD 124
• Rep. Dan Huberty (R-Houston) HD 127
• Rep. Sarah Davis (R-West University Place) HD 134
• Rep. Jarvis Johnson (D-Houston) HD 139
• Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston) HD 142
• Rep. Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) HD 146
• Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) HD 147
• Clint Bedsole, (R-Frisco), HD 106
• Sam Harless (R-Houston), HD 126
• John Payton, (R-Allen), HD89

 

STATEMENT

Conctact: Jim Suydam, 512-417-5382

 

Statement by Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association on the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes

“Reducing the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes is a national issue and a top priority in Texas. THCA and its members are committed to improving lives by safely reducing unnecessary antipsychotic use. Because of the efforts of these dedicated Texans to educate and engage their communities, Texas has achieved a 42 percent reduction in the prevalence of anti-psychotic use for long stay residents.

THCA and its members do not support relabeling a person to justify medication use. Actions like these that jeopardize the dignity and safety of any resident should be condemned. Our Association and its members support efforts to prevent such abhorrent behavior.

The shift in diagnoses alone is not enough to explain the continuous reduction in antipsychotic medication use in skilled nursing facilities. Collaboration between providers, regulators, advocates, and clinicians, is why Texas is seeing improvement. While significant progress has been made, more must be done. THCA is committed to continuing to work with members and others to offer resources and programs to raise awareness of these issues and help improve quality of care.”

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About THCA
Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed nonprofit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Contact: Jim Suydam, 512-542-9955

 

Texas Health Care Association PAC endorses John Payton for House District 89

Skilled nursing providers backing candidates who will stand up for Texas seniors

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) — The political action committee representing skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Texas today announced their endorsement of Collin County Justice of the Peace John Payton for state House District 89 in the March 6 Republican primary.

“Decisions made in Austin help determine the quality of long term care across the state,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “The Texas Health Care Association PAC stands behind candidates who have indicated their willingness to stand up for senior Texans and we are putting our support behind John Payton for House District 89.”

House District 89 is being vacated by longtime Republican state Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, who is retiring.

The long term care industry employs more than 110,000 Texans, paying more than $4 billion in direct wages every year.

“Families with a loved one in a long term care facility should know that John Payton will be looking out for them in Austin,” Warren said. “THCAPAC works hard to make sure that’s the case.”

 

About THCA
Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed nonprofit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Contact: Jim Suydam, 512-542-9955

 

 Texas Health Care Association PAC endorses Clint Bedsole for House District 106

Skilled nursing providers backing candidates who will stand up for Texas seniors

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) — The political action committee representing skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Texas today announced their endorsement of Frisco businessman Clint Bedsole for state House District 106 in the March 6 Republican primary.

“Decisions made in Austin help determine the quality of long term care across the state,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “The Texas Health Care Association PAC stands behind candidates who have indicated their willingness to stand up for senior Texans and we are putting our support behind Clint Bedsole for House District 106.”

House District 106 is being vacated by Republican state Rep. Pat Fallon, who is running for the state Senate.

The long term care industry employs more than 110,000 Texans, paying more than $4 billion in direct wages every year.

“Families with a loved one in a long term care facility should know that Clint Bedsole will be looking out for them in Austin,” Warren said. “THCAPAC works hard to make sure that’s the case.”

 

About THCA

 Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed nonprofit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Contact: Jim Suydam, 512-542-9955

 

Texas Health Care Association PAC endorses Sam Harless for House District 126

Skilled nursing providers backing candidates who will stand up for Texas seniors

 (AUSTIN, TEXAS) — The political action committee representing skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Texas today announced their endorsement of Houston businessowner Sam Harless for state House District 126 in the March 6 Republican primary.

“Decisions made in Austin help determine the quality of long term care across the state,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “The Texas Health Care Association PAC stands behind candidates who have indicated their willingness to stand up for senior Texans and we are putting our support behind Sam Harless for House District 126.”

House District 126 is being vacated by Republican Rep. Kevin Roberts, who is running for a seat in the U.S. Congress.

The long term care industry employs more than 110,000 Texans, paying more than $4 billion in direct wages every year.

“Families with a loved one in a long term care facility should know that Sam Harless is looking out for them in Austin,” Warren said. “THCAPAC works hard to make sure that’s the case.”

 

About THCA
Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed nonprofit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Contact: Jim Suydam, 512-542-9955

exas Health Care Association PAC announces 2018 primary endorsements

Skilled nursing providers support lawmakers who stand up for Texas seniors

 
(AUSTIN, TEXAS) — The political action committee representing skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Texas today announced who they are supporting in the March 6 primaries.

“The Texas Health Care Association PAC stands behind lawmakers who stand up for Texas seniors,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “THCA membership appreciates all of these candidates for their dedication to improving the quality of long term care in Texas.”

The state senators endorsed by THCAPAC are:

• Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) SD 5
• Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) SD 15
• Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) SD 17
• Sen. Donna Campbell (R-San Antonio) SD 25
• Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) SD 30
• Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) SD 31

 

The House members endorsed by THCAPAC are:

• Rep. Chris Paddie (R-Marshall) HD 9
• Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) HD 11
• Rep. Ernest Bailes (R-Shepherd) HD 18
• Rep. Wayne Faircloth (R-Galveston) HD 23
• Rep. Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City) HD 31
• Rep. René Oliviera (D-Brownsville) HD 37
• Rep. Bobby Guerra (D-McAllen) HD 41
• Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin) HD 47
• Rep. Scott Cosper (R-Killeen) HD 54
• Rep. Hugh Shine (R-Temple) HD 55
• Rep. J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville) HD 59
• Rep. Lynn Stucky (R-Denton) HD 64
• Rep. Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) HD 65
• Rep. Mary González (D-El Paso) HD 75
• Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) HD 87
• Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) HD 88
• Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) HD 98
• Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) HD 99
• Rep. Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) HD 100
• Rep. Linda Koop (R-Dallas) HD 102
• Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas) HD 104
• Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) HD 114
• Rep. Diana Arévalo (D-San Antonio) HD 116
• Rep. Phillip Cortez (D-San Antonio) HD 117
• Rep. Tomas Uresti (D-San Antonio) HD 118
• Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) HD 122
• Rep. Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio) HD 124
• Rep. Dan Huberty (R-Houston) HD 127
• Rep. Sarah Davis (R-West University Place) HD 134
• Rep. Jarvis Johnson (D-Houston) HD 139
• Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston) HD 142
• Rep. Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) HD 146
• Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) HD 147

The THCAPAC also endorsed both Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. THCAPAC endorsed incumbents who have opponents in the March 6 primaries. Additional endorsements will be released at a later date.

The long term care industry employs more than 110,000 Texans, paying over $4 billion in direct wages every year.

“Families with a loved one in a long term care facility should know that these legislators are looking out for them,” Warren said. “THCAPAC strongly endorses the candidacies of these Texas leaders and applauds their proven leadership.”

About THCA
Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed nonprofit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Contact: Jim Suydam, 512-542-9955

 

Despite staffing crisis, long term care facilities in Texas improving

State association commends providers for accomplishing national quality goals, urges lawmakers to support them

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) — The Texas Health Care Association today recognized 57 long term care facilities across the state for meeting national goals to improve their quality of care. Each facility met at least four of eight goals set by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s Quality Initiative Recognition Program, including reducing the use of antipsychotic medications, reducing rehospitalizations or improving levels of customer satisfaction.

“This recognition was hard-earned by the frontline staff who dedicate themselves to their residents,” said Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “Long term care facilities in Texas continue to do more with less every day. Just imagine what they could do with adequate support from the state.”

Texas nursing homes struggle with one of the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the nation. This keeps wages low for nurses and other frontline staff, and is responsible for turnover rates of more than 90 percent a year that nursing homes across the state struggle with every day.

Launched in 2012 by AHCA/NCAL, the quality initiative serves as a national e­ffort to build upon the existing work of the long term and post-acute care profession. The initiative aims to further improve quality of care in skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities by challenging member facilities to meet measurable goals.

“This achievement overall represents not only improvement on a set of quality measures in these centers, but also significant improvements in outcomes among the elderly they serve, such as fewer hospitalizations, more discharges back to the community, and stopping the use of antipsychotics that can be harmful,” said Dr. David Gifford, AHCA/NCAL senior vice president of quality and regulatory affairs. “We applaud these organizations for making a difference in the lives of their patients and residents.”

Program achievers will be honored at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit in New Orleans, March 12-14, 2018. For more information about the quality initiative, skilled nursing centers can visit the AHCA website.

The 57 Texas long term care facilities to be recognized for their achievements through the Quality Initiative Recognition Program are:

Avalon Place/Trinity	Trinity	TX
Baybrooke Village Care and Rehabilitation Center	McKinney	TX
Brentwood Terrace Health and Rehabilitation	Paris	TX
Briarcliff Health Center of Tyler	Tyler	TX
Brookdale Lakeway	Lakeway	TX
Brookdale Place Willowbrook	Houston	TX
Brookdale Westlake Hills	Austin	TX
Brownfield Rehabilitation and Care Center	Brownfield	TX
Burleson Saint Joseph Manor	Caldwell	TX
Chisholm Trail Nursing and Rehabilitation	Lockhart	TX
Creekside Terrace Rehabilitation	Belton	TX
Cross Timbers Rehabilitation and Health Care Canter	Flower Mound	TX
Cuero Nursing and Rehabilitation Center	Cuero	TX
Elgin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center	Elgin	TX
Garnet Hill Rehabilitation and Skilled Care	Wylie	TX
Granbury Rehabilitation and Nursing Center	Granbury	TX
Gulf Health Care Center	Port Arthur	TX
Hallettsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center	Hallettsville	TX
Harlingen Nursing and Rehabilitation	Harlingen	TX
Heartland Health Care Center	Fort Worth	TX
Heartland of San Antonio	San Antonio	TX
Heritage Oaks West Retirement Village	Corsicana	TX
Heritage Plaza NC Texarkana	Texarkana	TX
Holmgreen Center at Trinity Towers	Corpus Christi	TX
Mira Vista Court	Fort Worth	TX
Mission Nursing Home	Mission	TX
Monument Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center	La Grange	TX
Normandy Terrace Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center	San Antonio	TX
Oakland Manor Nursing Center	Giddings	TX
Oakmont Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center	Katy	TX
Park Manor of Conroe	Conroe	TX
Pathways Memory Care at Villa Toscana	Houston	TX
Pine Grove Nursing Center	Center	TX
Querencia at Barton Creek	Austin	TX
Retama Manor Nursing Center	Weslaco	TX
Reunion Plaza Senior Care Center	Tyler	TX
Reunion Plaza Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center	Texarkana	TX
Ridgecrest Retirement and Health Care Community	Waco	TX
S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Community	Taylor	TX
San Gabriel Rehabilitation and Care Center	Round Rock	TX
SCC at Valley Grande	Brownsville	TX
The Heights of Gonzales	Gonzales	TX
The Heights of Tyler	Tyler	TX
The Homestead of Sherman	Sherman	TX
The Renaissance at Kessler Park	Dallas	TX
The Villages on MacArthur	Irving	TX
Town East Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center	Mesquite	TX
Treviso Transitional Care	Longview	TX
Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home	Amarillo	TX
Villa Toscana at Cypress Woods	Houston	TX
West Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation	Houston	TX
Whitehall Nursing Center	Crockett	TX
William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home	Temple	TX
Windsor Atrium	Harlingen	TX
Windsor Quail Valley Post Acute Healthcare Center	Missouri City	TX
Winfield Nursing Center	Crockett	TX
Yorktown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center	Yorktown	TX

 

About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed nonprofit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

ABOUT AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 13,500 nonprofit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, subacute centers, and homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahca.org or www.ncal.org.

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Contact: Jim Suydam
512-417-5382

AUSTIN, Texas — During the 85^th session of the Texas Legislature, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa took a stand for vulnerable senior Texas and their families who depend on long term care.

The Texas Health Care Association honored Hinojosa for that stand today, presenting the veteran South Texas lawmaker with THCA’s Legislator of the Year award at Cimarron Place Healthcare & Rehab in Corpus Christi.

“Sen. Hinojosa is a powerful and influential Senator in Austin who never forgets what’s really important to his constituents back home,” said Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “Senior Texans and their families who depend on long term care deserve better from the state and Sen. Hinojosa is dedicated to making sure they get better. We are honored to have Senator Hinojosa’s support.”

Texas nursing homes have one of the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the nation, one that doesn’t even cover the cost of care according to the state’s own numbers. This low rate keeps wages low and staff turnover high — more than 90 percent. That hurts the quality of care that’s delivered in long term care facilities across the state every day.

Hinojosa authored SB 1130 during this year’s regular legislative session, which would have returned hundreds of millions in federal dollars back to Texas to improve the state’s struggling nursing homes without adding to the state budget. This new money would have enabled nursing home owners across the state to raise wages, enhance training, and improve their facilities and the care they provide.

“Sen. Hinojosa’s influence in the Senate is well-known,” Warren said. “His support for boosting long term care funding without burdening taxpayers reassured his colleagues in the Senate the plan was a good one.”

SB 1130’s companion legislation, HB 2766, passed the House with strong bipartisan support, but the effort to improve Texas nursing homes died in the Senate as the clock ran out on the session.

“Texas nursing homes face critical problems because of a severe state Medicaid reimbursement shortfall,” Hinojosa said, thanking THCA for the honor. “This past session we worked tirelessly to create a funding solution that would increase quality of care for our loved ones. I will continue to stand up for our Texas seniors and their families to improve long term care because they deserve better.”

Hinojosa was born in McAllen and worked as a farm laborer in his youth. Hinojosa is an attorney who served his country with distinction in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine. He was first elected to the Texas House in 1981. In 2002, he was elected to the Senate, where he has worked to secure funding for the expansions of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the University of Texas-Pan American, where he also helped establish a free-standing medical school. Hinojosa has been named one of Texas Monthly’s “Top 10 Legislators” three times.

 

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

 

Contact: Jim Suydam
512-417-5382

AUSTIN, Texas — On behalf of those who provide care to Texas nursing facility residents, the Texas Health Care Association has named state Sen. Bryan Hughes a “Champion for Long Term Care” for his efforts to help providers improve nursing home care across the state.

“Sen. Hughes was a fearless advocate for Texans with a loved one in a nursing home during the 85^th legislative session,” said Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “We are very thankful for the vice chairman’s dedication to Texas seniors.”

Sen. Hughes was recognized for his efforts at a ceremony held at Providence Park Rehabilitation and Nursing in Tyler Monday.

During this year’s regular legislative session, the East Texas Republican signed on as co-author to HB2766, which would have improved Texas nursing homes at no cost to the state by bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in additional federal funding. House Bill 2766 died in the Senate after overwhelmingly clearing the House with bipartisan support.

“It’s not often we can get our money back from Washington with no strings attached. I’m optimistic that next session we can bring this home and provide real help for our seniors,” Hughes said.

HB 2766 would have returned hundreds of millions in federal funds back to Texas to improve nursing homes without increased state spending. This new money would have enabled nursing home owners across the state to raise wages, enhance training, and improve their facilities and the care they provide.

“Sen. Hughes’ support for boosting long term care funding without burdening taxpayers reassured his Republican colleagues in the Senate that House that HB 2766 was a smart plan,” Warren said. “Sen. Hughes had the courage to stand up and fight for vulnerable senior Texans, and we won’t forget that.”

Long term care in Texas is facing a staffing and quality crisis as nursing home operators struggle to get by with state reimbursements that don’t even cover the cost of care for Medicaid residents.

Sen. Hughes is serving his first term in the Texas Senate, representing the 16 counties of Senate District One in Northeast Texas. Previously, he represented District Five in the Texas House of Representatives for seven terms.

He has received numerous awards for his work in the Legislature, including the Taxpayer Champion Award from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and “Defender of the American Dream” from Americans for Prosperity.

 

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

 

Contact: Jim Suydam
512-417-5382

AUSTIN, Texas — On behalf of vulnerable senior Texans and their families, the Texas Health Care Association has named state Rep. Travis Clardy a “Champion for Long Term Care” for his efforts to help providers improve nursing home care across the state.

“Families with a loved one in long term care should know that Rep. Clardy is looking out for them,” said Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association, which advocates in Austin for improved long-term care in Texas. “We are very thankful for the vice chairman’s dedication to protecting vulnerable seniors.”

Clardy was recognized for his efforts at a ceremony held on Friday at Bonner Street Plaza Healthcare & Rehabilitation in Jacksonville.

During this year’s regular legislative session, the East Texas Republican was the primary author of House Bill 2570. Had it passed, that legislation would have required the state to develop a plan to address workforce challenges that exist in nursing homes that provide care for Medicaid recipients.

Clardy also supported legislation that would have improved Texas nursing homes at no cost to the state by bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in additional federal funding. House Bill 2766 died in the Senate after overwhelmingly clearing the House with bipartisan support.

“Caring for our elderly and disabled is an important mission in protecting the sanctity of life,” Rep. Travis Clardy said. “I am committed to ensuring those who cannot care for themselves receive the medical care they need with dignity and respect from qualified and trained professionals. I appreciate Texas Health Care Association’s partnership and support and look forward to working to improve long term health care in Texas.”

HB 2766 would have brought in much-needed funding to improve Texas nursing homes without increased state spending. This new money would have enabled nursing home owners across the state to raise wages, enhance training, and improve their facilities and the care they provide. Vice Chairman Clardy’s support for boosting long term care funding without burdening taxpayers reassured his Republican colleagues in the House that HB 2766 was a smart plan,” Warren said. “And House Bill 2570 would have helped ensure those dollars were being spent efficiently.

“Rep. Clardy had the courage to stand up and fight for vulnerable senior Texans, and we won’t forget that,” Warren concluded.

Long term care in Texas is facing a staffing and quality crisis as nursing home operators struggle to get by with state reimbursements that don’t even cover the cost of care for Medicaid residents.

Rep. Clardy is currently serving his third term representing District 11, which includes Cherokee, Nacogdoches and Rusk counties. He is a small business owner and attorney who lives in Nacogdoches. In the Texas House, he serves as Vice-Chair of the Local and Consent Calendars Committee and as a member of the Energy Resources and Higher Education committees.

 

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.