Association highlights national award winners, CMS leadership insights, and workforce investment to advance post-acute care nationwide
DENVER, CO, March 31, 2026 — The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) convened hundreds of post-acute care nursing leaders, administrators, and clinical professionals from across the country for its 2026 Annual Conference in March, highlighting industry excellence, federal regulatory insights, and a new strategic vision designed to elevate care quality and redefine the future of post-acute care.
AAPACN Strategic Vision and Growth
During the opening session, AAPACN outlined a forward-looking strategy. Tracey Moorhead, President & CEO, unveiled the association’s newly adopted mission and vision statements, which will guide the organization’s next phase of growth and its efforts to elevate the role of post-acute care across the healthcare system.
“Our mission and vision reflect the essential role post-acute care professionals play in the healthcare ecosystem,” Moorhead said. “AAPACN empowers providers to thrive, evolve, and lead by delivering the tools, education, and leadership development needed to elevate care and strengthen the future of our profession.”
The strategic plan supporting this vision focuses on three pillars: unite the post-acute and long-term care landscape, equip facilities to achieve unparalleled operational efficiency and care quality, and foster a robust, resilient, and confident community of professionals. AAPACN leaders also demonstrated sustained growth and robust engagement across the association’s professional community. The organization currently supports more than 18,000 members working in over 6,100 post-acute care facilities nationwide, providing education, certification programs, and regulatory guidance to nursing and clinical leaders.
According to AAPACN’s latest membership survey:
- 93% of members report satisfaction with their membership
- 88% say they would recommend AAPACN membership to a colleague
- 85% say their AAPACN certification improved their ability to perform their job
“These results reflect the value of having a strong professional community dedicated to advancing excellence in post-acute care,” Moorhead said.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Engagement
The conference also featured an insightful presentation from Evan Shulman, director of the division of nursing homes for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), who highlighted a shift toward more targeted, risk-based survey approaches, ongoing efforts to strengthen the nursing workforce pipeline, and key areas of survey focus to support resident safety and quality care.
Shulman later joined the AAPACN Education team to answer audience questions on a live panel discussion, as well as invited 15 AAPACN members to attend a CMS Focus Group session where providers shared their on-the-ground experiences.
AAPACN Board Transitions and Leadership
This year’s conference marked an important transition for AAPACN Board leadership. Board Chair Maureen McCarthy, RN, BS, RAC-MT, QCP-MT, DNS-MT, RAC-MTA, President, Celtic Consulting, CEO, MDSRescue, and CEO/Founder, Care Transitions, passed the gavel to Vice-Chair Janet Feldkamp JD, BSN, RN, retired partner, Benesch Attorneys at Law. Maureen’s tenure as Board chair included the development of a comprehensive new strategic plan to guide AAPACN’s initiatives over the next three years. Feldkamp officially transitions to Board chair on July 1, 2026, to begin a two-year term.
AAPACN Awards for Post-Acute Care Professionals
Opening ceremonies included recognition of the AAPACN 2026 Awards for Post-Acute Care Professionals, honoring individuals and organizations driving innovation and improving outcomes for residents nationwide. Awardees included Salem Johnson, Erin Overla, Angela Huffman and Jennifer Cambron, along with Ignite Medical Resorts, each recognized for advancing clinical excellence, leadership and quality performance across the post-acute care landscape.
“At a time when long-term and post-acute care are both more complex and more essential than ever, these leaders represent the strength of our profession,” said Tracey Moorhead, President & CEO of AAPACN.
AAPACN Education Foundation Scholarships
The conference further highlighted the work of the AAPACN Education Foundation, which supports nurses pursuing advanced education and leadership roles in long-term and post-acute care. Since its founding, the foundation has awarded more than $151,000 in scholarships to nurses earning RN, BSN, and graduate-level degrees while continuing to work in the field. Four recipients of the AAPACN 2026 Education Foundation Scholarships were announced and celebrated at the conference.
During the conference, AAPACN raised $6,682.00 so far, exceeding goals for funds to support future scholarships and continue investing in the next generation of post-acute care nursing leaders. “Supporting education and leadership development is one of the most important ways we can strengthen the future of post-acute care,” Moorhead said.
For more information about AAPACN and its programs, visit https://www.aapacn.org/
About AAPACN
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 performance. Learn more at AAPACN.org.
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