About The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing
The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) champions innovation and transformation across the post-acute care continuum by enabling providers to deliver unparalleled care. Representing more than 18,000 post-acute care nurses and leaders in over 6,100 facilities nationwide, AAPACN provides industry‑leading education, certification, and evidence‑based resources that elevate quality of care and drive operational excellence.
Our Mission
AAPACN champions innovation and transformation in post-acute care, enabling providers to deliver unparalleled care. Review AAPACN’s Treatment of Members policy.
AAPACN is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that reinvests revenue into the creation of high quality resources, education, and certifications to benefit post-acute professionals and the residents they serve.
Our Vision
Universal recognition of excellence in post-acute care.
Our Values
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Inspiration
- Influence
Our History
AAPACN began with the founding of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC) in 1999 by Diane Carter, RN, MSN, FAAN. As the Minimum Data Set (MDS) roll out began, Diane saw an opportunity to provide education and support for nurses working with this assessment tool. Offering a web-based community of support and peer learning, AANAC defined the role of the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) and developed the standard-setting RAC-CT® (Resident Assessment Coordinator-Certified) education and certification program the following year as a certificate program and then as a certification in 2007.
In 2016, the AANAC Board of Directors formed a new parent association, the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), and the board became the AAPACN Board of Directors. That same year to further support nurses working in long-term and post-acute care (PAC), AAPACN launched a sister association to AANAC, the American Association of Director of Nursing Services (AADNS). AADNS led the way in defining the body of knowledge for directors of nursing working in skilled nursing facilities and developing the Directors of Nursing Services-Certified (DNS-CT®) and QAPI Certified Professional (QCP®) certification programs.
As the role of skilled nursing in the care continuum continues to shift and evolve through impacts of market forces, patient demographics, payment, and delivery models, AAPACN sees an expanding need for highly competent reimbursement and clinical leaders across post-acute settings. To position members for success in any care delivery setting along the post-acute care continuum, AAPACN merged AANAC and AADNS into the AAPACN parent association in 2021. Today, AAPACN delivers compelling information and education that is timely and meets the immediate needs of a spectrum of PAC providers at various career phases, professional levels, and care delivery settings.