For Immediate Release
Contact: Cynthia Morton
(703) 549-8500

CONGRESSMAN GLENN THOMPSON HONORED WITH CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
NASL Puts Spotlight on Accountability, Coordination and Quality at Legislative & Regulatory Conference

February 15, 2011 (Alexandria, VA) - The National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL) presented Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson with the 2011 Congressional Leadership Award at the NASL Winter Legislative & Regulatory Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

NASL bestows the Congressional Leadership Award to Members of Congress who demonstrate leadership in protecting the needs and interests of patients and residents served in long term and post acute care settings. “Congressman Thompson uniquely understands the commitment our profession requires and has proven dedication to improving quality in long term and post acute care. Patients and their care givers have a real friend and supporter in Congressman Glenn Thompson.” says Cynthia Morton, NASL Executive Vice President. Thompson has a history with healthcare, as a former nursing home administrator and therapist. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson said “NASL’s work advocating for cost-effective, quality care and representing the interests of health providers before Congress is second to none. It’s an honor to receive this award, and I look forward to continuing our work to advance the best interests of health care providers and improve the delivery of care for Americans across the country.”

A number of presenters at the NASL Winter Legislative & Regulatory Conference emphasized emerging issues in health care and to long term care specifically, including Accountable Care Organizations, health information exchange and opportunities for innovation within the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Brookings Institute scholar, Lawrence Kocot, provided the keynote address where he outlined how long term and post acute care providers, who participate in integrated health care delivery systems, can play a key role in the success of Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). Kocot also identified health information technology as the foundation for care coordination within an ACO. Health information technology and the electronic exchange of clinical data was also highlighted afterward by health information exchange (HIE) experts from the Federal government, active state HIE program directors and experienced providers.

Leadership by the long term and post acute care community to facilitate quality and improve care coordination is essential. “Participation in organizations, like NASL, by the ancillary services community is imperative to influencing the policies and regulations that affect us all.” says NASL President, Doc DeVore.

###

NASL is a trade association of ancillary providers of products and services to the post-acute industry, representing its members on Capitol Hill in legislative and regulatory issues that impact the quality of care to patients in the long term and post acute care setting. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact NASL, 1321 Duke Street, Suite 304, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314-3563, (703) 549-8500, membership@nasl.org.