AAPACN is dedicated to supporting post-acute care nurses provide quality care.

Press Room

Press Releases and Advocacy Updates

Nurse Certification Key to Strong Position in New Payment Systems
April 16, 2024 – New research and analysis conducted by health economics consultants at Dobson DaVanzo reveal the significant impact of American Association of Post -Acute Care Nursing ( AAPACN)-certified staff on skilled nursing facility performance.

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: AAPACN Opens 2024 Conference, Honors AHCA’s Mark Parkinson with Lifetime Award
April 10, 2024 – The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) opened its 2024 conference today in Hollywood Beach, Florida, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 25th anniversary and honors the lifetime impact of Mark Parkinson to the industry.

New Report Highlights NAC Training Needs as Staffing Challenges Continue
Sept. 11, 2023 – According to data in the 2023 AAPACN Nurse Assessment Coordinator Work Study and Salary Report, released today by the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), 26% of nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) have two or fewer years of experience in their role, a sharp increase over previous years’ data.

AAPACN Names Stewart Chief Nursing Officer
Aug. 1, 2023 – The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), the largest professional association for nurses working in long-term and post-acute care, announces the promotion of Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, RAC-MT, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MTA, to Chief Nursing Officer. In her new role, Stewart will be responsible for advancing the profession of skilled nursing and expanding AAPACN’s expertise across post-acute care.

AAPACN 2023 Conference Begins Today
April 19, 2023 – The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) 2023 Conference begins today at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, bringing together approximately 950 long-term and post-acute care nurses and professionals.

Facilities with AAPACN-Certified Staff See Higher Five-Star Ratings
Dec. 15, 2021 – Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) employing at least one staff member with an AAPACN certification see higher five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) than those without certification. The findings, released today in a new report by ABILITY Network, an Inovalon company, reveal a 16% higher overall rating and a 19% higher staffing.

Staff Shortages May Prompt 40% of NACs to Seek New Position According to AAPACN Study
Oct. 7, 2021 – The 2021 AAPACN Nurse Assessment Coordinator Work Time Study and Salary Report, released today by the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), reveals that staff shortages have led to sharp increases in nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) time on the floor and coverage of additional job functions, resulting in stress, burnout, and turnover. According to the report, 40% of NAC respondents indicated that they plan on changing jobs in the next 12 months.

AAPACN Advances PAC Nursing for Future Success
Jan. 26, 2021 – The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) announced today plans to merge the memberships, resources, and educational programs of its affiliated associations, the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC) and the American Association of Directors of Nursing Services (AADNS), into AAPACN this May.

AAPACN Applauds New HHS Crisis Standards of Care Framework for PALTC Facilities
Sept. 28, 2020 – AAPACN joins HHS and other industry stakeholders in announcing today’s release of “COVID-19: Considerations, Strategies, and Resources for Crisis Standards of Care in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Facilities (PALTC).”

AAPACN Launches Therapy Certificate, Aims to Boost IDT Collaboration
July 31, 2020 – AAPACN releases its first certificate program under the AAPACN brand today. Collaboration in Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Certificate of Skills in Medicare, MDS, and PDPM for Therapy Professionals is a comprehensive online certificate program developed for the entire SNF therapy team.

AAPACN Joins Other Healthcare Associations Urging Congress to Support the “SAFE TO WORK Act”
July 30, 2020 – AAPACN, along with dozens of healthcare organizations, urge Congress to support the timely, targeted, and temporary liability relief provisions contained in S. 4317, the “SAFE TO WORK Act.” This legislation is critically needed and should be enacted as soon as possible. To that end, we strongly urge you to support the inclusion of these provisions in a Phase IV COVID-19 relief package.

AAPACN Responds to CMS Reopen Guidance, Stresses Urgent Need for More Support
May 20, 2020 – In response to the release of guidelines for the reopening of nursing homes across the country, the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), together with state and local governments, to provide clear guidance, additional clarification, and all necessary resources to support skilled nursing homes and to protect the health and safety of staff and residents.

AAPACN Unveils New Initiative and Resources to Promote the LTPAC Nurse Profession
Feb. 18, 2020 – AAPACN launches a new initiative today to increase awareness of the long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) nursing profession among nursing students and other young men and women entering the workforce.

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