State of the Indiana Chapter

As one of the fastest growing Chapters in the past 3 years, Indiana is now seeking to stabilize its existence so that sustainability is secured. We have some of the best members in the country and want to ensure that our purpose and mission are long-lived.

With board members and engaged committees, and one member serving on the ACHCA Board, we have a strong foundation. Yet, as we look at other chapters across the nation, we recognize that our job is not yet done.

On a state and national level, the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA-IN) advocates for the Indiana licensed long-term care and post-acute care Administrators – as they are on the front line to ensure quality of care and support for residents, families, and staff. Furthermore, the Indiana Chapter endorses the Position Statement as presented by ACHCA concerning strict liability for nursing home administrators and join their efforts to make changes. The American College of Health Care Administrators – Indiana Chapter has taken the position that we must protect our Administrators rather than allow them to be used as a “target of correction” through any Strict Liability regulation.

Chapter Highlights (development activities, meetings/events, initiatives, etc.)

Current membership is reflective of a strong core group and a fluctuation of 25-30 members based upon our large student population that enters and graduates from their college programs. The Chapter has now successfully served as the host chapter to the D3 Conference for 2017 and 2018. Indiana’s D3 Conference presence is reflective of the Board’s engagement and commitment to the enhancement of the Administrator Profession. Indiana’s attendance has increased extensively since 2015.

Maintained the only AIT Q & A Resources in Indiana with all the steps necessary from start to finish, including all relevant links to approved HFA forms.

Two of our chapter members will receive national awards at the 2018 ACHCA Convocation. (Nursing Home Administrator of the Year Award and New Nursing Home Administrator of the Year)

As in the past, the Board of Directors continues to monitor and ensure Chapter longevity by maintaining impeccable financial records – under the guidance of our Treasurer and Audit Committee. The Chapter bank account has netted an increase every year since resurrection.

Next steps:

In the remainder of 2018 and spring of 2019 our plans include to:

  • Continue to create and implement Chapter infrastructures for the sustainability of the Chapter
  • Send one member to the NELS training
  • Support our member that now serves on the National ACHCA Board of Directors.
  • Successfully host a 2019 D3 Educational Event

On behalf of myself and The Board and Directors of ACHCA Indiana, I thank all of our members for the continued support and contributions to the Chapter. If you are not currently a member, I invite you to join this award-winning Chapter for Administrators and Associates. Learn more by reaching out to one of our Board or Committee Members or go to www.achca.org and click on the Membership tab.

Success to you,
Vivian Wright-Defrees, MA, MBA, HFA, FACHCA
Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Chapter President