Business View Magazine
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it and for-profit nursing facilities and assisted living com-
munities that, together, care for approximately 35,000
elderly and disabled individuals each day.
A small but dedicated staff of eight, including two part-
timers, keeps LNHA on track. Much credit goes to the
Reimbursement Director, Regulatory Director, Educa-
tion Liaison, Meetings Planner (conferences, etc.), Office
Manager/Bookkeeper, and Secretary/ Receptionist for
the outstanding success of the association.
LNHA members are well-served in the areas of public
policy advocacy, education, professional development,
and quality initiatives. As Donchess attests, the increas-
ing membership numbers reflect satisfaction. “When
I started with the association in 1986, we represented
211 of 320 nursing facilities in the state. In 2015, it is
254 of 273. That means we represent more than 90 per-
cent of all the nursing facilities in Louisiana.” The drop in
the number of nursing facilities in the state is the result
of an initiative spearheaded by LNHA to rightsize the pro-
fession after a building frenzy took place in the 1980s. A
buyback program and a private room conversion incen-
tive have resulted in 5,000 beds being closed.
Some of the minority are members of a second organi-
zation called ‘LeadingAge’ – which only serves not-for-
AT A GLANCE
WHO:
Louisiana Nursing Home Association
WHAT:
Non-profit organization providing leader-
ship in long term care policy and advocacy on behalf
of Louisiana’s nursing facilities and assisted living
communities.
WHERE:
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
WEBSITE
:
