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MEMBER SERVICES A Legislative Voice NDLTCA staff work on members’ behalf in Bismarck. We stay current on all pending legislation that will shape the future of the long term care industry. We educate lawmakers and bring provider problems, views, and solutions to the attention of lawmakers. Members are the cornerstone of our grassroots lobbying effort and through this statewide network we are seen as one of the most visible and effective voices before the legislature. Education Services NDLTCA is widely recognized as the most prominent provider of long term care education in the state today. Through our training programs, North Dakota long term care staff have access to more than 100 continuing education hours annually. NDLTCA provides an extensive training plan each year. A variety of educational opportunities are available for all disciplines working in long term care. Continuing education for long term care staff is imperative to stay current with state and federal regulations as well as assuring quality care is provided to the residents in long term care. NDLTCA members receive significant member discounts on all NDLTCA trainings. Informational Services NDLTCA makes sure members have the information they need to remain competitive and effective in these quickly changing times. Every two weeks, NDLTCA members receive an electronic "mailing" with straightforward information on issues, trends, and events that could impact long term care providers in North Dakota. In addition, this mailing is filled with valuable enclosures such as fact sheets, registration forms for education and training opportunities, copies of pending long term care legislation, and directories to help you contact decision makers directly. Whenever necessary, "President's Scoop" and "flash" faxes between "mailings" alert NDLTCA members to emergency or priority issues. E-mail and an up-to-date web page keeps members and consumers informed. Information is critical for long term care providers and this has become one of the most valued services of the Association. Regulatory Voice NDLTCA staff and NDLTCA Board Chair maintain regular contact with regulatory and administrative agencies directly affecting the operation of long term care facilities. Staff and member committees review all proposed long term care rules and actively voice concerns affecting operations and resident care. Our review and analysis of proposed regulations results in a better end product. Without this input the provider perspective would not be present. Special Studies Every year NDLTCA studies an issue significant to long term care. Past studies have covered restraint reduction, best practices in recruitment and retention, financial viability of the long term care industry, salary surveys and a best practice initiative that recognizes innovations in delivering high quality care. In 2003 we will be concluding a research project on National Association of Geriatric Nursing Assistants (NAGNA) and its impact on turnover, staff stability and staff and resident satisfaction. Grant funding from Dakota Medical Foundation and Bremer Foundation has allowed 22 long term care facilities to participate in this project. Networking/Governance Opportunities NDLTCA members have many opportunities to network with their peers in the long term care arena. Members share their challenges and successes and learn from others who have developed innovative solutions to common problems. Members increase their skills, knowledge and contacts, and take part in shaping the future by becoming active in the leadership of the association through participation on NDLTCA committees, task-forces, and focus groups on key issues affecting the industry. Membership meetings, the Annual Convention, regional meetings and the Fall Professional Development & Best Practices Conference are other opportunities for members to interact with their colleagues. Statewide Database Through Eide Bailly we maintain a statewide industry financial database. This information and annual report helps us to evaluate the financial health of the long term care industry. Providers can evaluate staffing, cost per day, and numerous other reports to evaluate financial performance. Legal Services NDLTCA is constantly alert to proposed changes and precedents in the regulatory and payment systems which could adversely impact our members and residents. When members have a common concern that can best be served through legal action, NDLTCA’s legal counsel takes action to advance and protect member interests under the direction and guidance of the Board. Nursing Scholarship In honor of Allan B. Engen, the first Executive Director of the NDLTCA, we annually award nursing scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to staff of member facilities who have demonstrated a strong commitment to caring for residents and delivering outstanding quality of care. We have awarded forty-four nursing scholarships since 1990. Recognition Programs NDLTCA recognizes outstanding performance among leaders in the long term care area. The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to long term care. In the past 24 years, eleven awards have been given to "Champions of Long Term Care." NDLTCA also holds an annual Volunteer of the Year contest to recognize the efforts of volunteers in our long term care facilities. Awards are given in three categories which include Adult, Young Adult and Group Volunteers. NDLTCA’s Volunteer of the Year Awards recognizes outstanding volunteers in North Dakota and while honoring these dedicated individuals, we offer gratitude to all the volunteers who provide their time and talents. In 2001 we will be awarding our first Caregiver Award to four individuals. Families and residents are invited to nominate caregivers who provide outstanding care. Caregivers are honored at our Annual Awards Banquet. Our Caregiver Award Program has proven to be very successful and popular. In 2002 we bestowed the award to four deserving individuals. Trinity Health and North Dakota Health Care Review, Inc. both of Minot are our Caregiver Sponsors and are commended for their support of this initiative. Political Action Committee By pooling resources, individual NDLTCA members can have a more significant impact in helping to elect qualified candidates to public office. The Political Action Committee, NDLTCA PAC, is the political fund-raising arm of the association. It receives voluntary donations from members to support those candidates who will bring an enlightened approach to state government and the policies which govern long term care. Advertise Openings/Buy and Sell Exchanges NDLTCA members can advertise free, any staff positions in our bi-monthly
"mailing." We also use web-space to advertise these same openings,
this guarantees great penetration in the long term care field. Members also
buy and sell equipment, buses, medication carts, any item through the Buy
and Sell Exchange Program. Copyright © 2003 North Dakota Long Term Care
Association. All rights reserved. |