PALTmed Advocacy Summit

Over the years, it has been a real privilege to attend Hill Days with fellow PALTmed leaders. And the results of these visits, beyond developing a relationship with our legislators and their staff, have at times been truly meaningful. My most memorable Hill Day was in 2022 when my Congressman, Mike Levin, had introduced legislation at our request to compile a national list of nursing home medical directors, and he was in session on the floor of the House of Representatives. He invited us to come into the Capitol and say hello between votes, and we went into this fancy room and chatted, thanked him, and took some great photos under a big portrait of George Washington. And, I think in large part due to Mike's efforts, CMS ultimately decided to compile the medical director list without requiring passage of formal legislation.

Physicians have a unique and powerful voice in shaping healthcare policy. By engaging in advocacy at the federal level, we can ensure that long-term care systems are not only adequately funded but also held to the highest standards of quality and compassion. Our firsthand experience with patients gives us the insight needed to influence policies that truly improve lives. I’ll never forget the elderly couple I cared for—married for over 60 years—who were forced to live apart when the only nursing home in their rural community shut down due to staffing shortages and lack of funding. The emotional toll of that separation was heartbreaking. No one should have to spend their final years away from the person they love most because of systemic failures. That’s why our voices matter.

Most people who go to meet legislators are asking for something that benefits them directly. Our team, on the contrary, advocates for our vulnerable patients and the noblest of professions. It is no surprise, therefore, that we are received in a much more congenial manner on the hill. Our stories and experiences are eagerly listened to, and a human connection is often made with staffers and senators alike. I remember describing a clinical case to illustrate a point about end-of-life care in nursing homes and hospices and the staffer shared with me that her mother was a hospice nurse. We connected so well, and our ask made it to the senator expeditiously. Clinicians matter. Our work matters. We need to be strong advocates for our patients and for our specialty, because no one cares as much as we do.

PALTmed has been able to have an impact on policy through our members relationships with their legislative representatives. If we expect to be relevant we must engage with our legislators.

My experience during Hill Day was both eye-opening and transformative. I had never had the opportunity to meet with my senators and congressmen's offices. I learned how to communicate PALTMed priorities succinctly and clearly. People on the hill were interested in our narrative, especially in my personal experience with patients. Often, they had never stepped foot into a nursing home or assisted living facility, and I had the opportunity to translate how policies affect the people I care for and how I can practice medicine. After my day on the Hill, I felt exhilarated to know that these offices now had a personal reference point for the PALTC experience and the voices of both our providers and patients had been heard.

There is really no substitute for being in the offices of your representatives to advocate for what you believe in. PALTMed provides everything you need to communicate effectively. Everyone who cares about long-term care would benefit from this action-oriented approach to advocacy. Hill Day is a memorable experience and a wonderful opportunity to do meaningful work alongside trusted colleagues.

Attending advocacy days was always a highlight of in-person board meetings. It helped me to see how the work we do in the boardroom translates to positive action that can leave a lasting impact on the day-to-day work of our members. I always felt a sense of pride and humility when advocating for the needs of those working and living in PALTC communities. My advocacy work through PALTmed also helped me better understand the inner workings of the various government branches and agencies, which makes me a well-informed voter and advocate in my local community. I have attended several Hill Days and have had multiple memorable experiences, but none so moving as when I met with my representatives while pregnant with my first child, knowing that I was working to create a better healthcare environment that could benefit her generation in the future.

I have participated in Hill Day several times and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was amazing to learn more about advocacy, the legislative process, and how constituents can meet with their elected officials. The PALTmed staff support made an intimidating experience enjoyable and stress free. My favorite moment was meeting with my representative along with Dr Arif Nazir, discussing post-acute and long-term care and the care of frail older adults, and a shared passion for basketball. I’m looking forward to attending the Advocacy Summit in the fall and another chance to make a difference.

I have attended a few Hill Days in Washington in the past. Always helps educate me on health care policy issues and gives me a chance to connect with state legislatures. Great chance to learn about the process in government and to personally advocate for issues important to all practitioners in PALTC. And of course, an opportunity to meet with other PALTmed colleagues!

The Summit was an excellent opportunity to understand how accessible our elected officials can be. I saw that a constituent's informed opinion is valued and welcomed.