Overview

Some would say we’re in the midst of the health care revolution: the effects of managed care being felt nationwide; more commercial ventures in the business of health care; and market forces such as competition for market share on the basis of price and the willingness to assume financial risk for defined populations. With these industry movements, one also should consider the by- products: attempts to eliminate waste and redundancy, a greater focus on health promotion and disease prevention, more attention to the management of chronic diseases, a focus on accountability of physicians and health plans and on the quality of care, and important investments in patient information systems.

Yet we can’t stop there – we must strive to strengthen the informal care system; improve management and service delivery on the basis of careful evaluations; increase and improve the training of personnel in the field; promote technology, including the information sciences; and create an affordable financing system. In order to achieve all that we envision, we have to tap into the creative nature within ourselves. Instead of telling people what they will get we must ask people what they want and find innovative ways of providing it. We are moving into a new era of health care, an era that holds great opportunities, but only if long term care providers are actively involved in shaping the health care industry of the future.

Given the rate at which our system is changing, the extent of that change, and the powerful market-driven forces producing it, the long term care system must be shaped by conscious choices about future directions, rather than being fated by seemingly random and uncontrollable events.

This program will discuss industry changes at the state and national levels and inspire health care professionals to play a vital role in the creation of insightful legislation and obtain the political support needed to shape the health care industry of the future. To that end, it is crucial for professionals to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Thompson Administration and with their state senators and state representatives. Such a working relationship provides the basis for discussion on the concerns of the aging and the distinct missions of the care-giving industry.

Purpose

The purpose of WAHSA’s Public Policy Seminar is to inform participants about industry trends and current public policy issues that can affect their organizations. Supplied with current information and practical knowledge, providers will be instrumental in shaping a viable future for the health care industry: a future that best serves the needs and interests of our customers, a future that strengthens our bond with the community, a future that upholds our responsibility to our mission.

Legislative Visits

WAHSA strongly encourages members to schedule meetings with their legislators and legislative staff from 2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25. As you have learned from past experience, informal discussion with your elected officials is essential in the on-going effort to foster legislation and regulations that support your commitment to quality care.

WAHSA members who share a State Senator or a State Representative should attempt to coordinate their visits if at all possible. Five members attempting to meet with their State Senator and/or State Representative at one time will be far more successful in meeting with the legislators than if the five each attempted to set up an individual meeting. Try to determine who is interested in attending such a coordinated meeting and select a single contact person to arrange for that meeting. Such coordination will be greatly appreciated by your legislators. If your State Senator or State Representative is not available, attempt to set up a meeting with the staff member who has responsibility for long-term/health care issues.

Dates and Location

The 1998 Public Policy Seminar will be held February 25 and 26 at The Concourse Hotel, located one block north of the Capitol Square in Madison.

WAHSA has a block of sleeping rooms for the nights of February 24 and 25. Room rates are $73.00 for single occupancy and $83.00 for double occupancy. These rates are guaranteed only if you make your reservations by February 3, 1998, and identify yourself as being part of the Wisconsin Association of Homes & Services for the Aging. If you attempt to reserve your room after February 3, 1998, or if you don’t identify yourself as being with WAHSA, sleeping rooms will be subject to availability and you may be required to pay a higher room rate. Hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 noon. Please make your reservations directly with The Concourse Hotel, One West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703-2582. Telephone (608-257-6000).

Fees

The registration fee for WAHSA’s 1998 Public Policy Seminar is $65.00 per person for WAHSA members and $90.00 per person for non-members. This fee covers all registration materials, the reception refreshments on February 25, and on February 26, the continental breakfast, lunch and break refreshments. Please note that, other than the hospitality reception, meals for February 25 will be on your own.

Wednesday, February 25, 1998

9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Open

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Joint Meeting of the Housing Committee and the CBRF and Assisted Living Task Forces

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Meeting of the Health Issues Committee Task Forces

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Joint Meeting of the Health Issues, Legislative and Long- Term Care Reimbursement Committees

3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Directors of Nursing Networking Meeting

2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visit Your Legislators at the State Capitol

4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hospitality Reception
Light hors d’oeuvres
Soda, wine, beer and a cash bar

Thursday, February 26

7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
“Scanning the National Panorama”
Sheldon Goldberg, President, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Washington, D.C.
Learner Objectives: