National Consumer Voice

Support improved emergency measures for nursing home residents!

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) have introduced a bill that would better protect nursing home residents during and after emergencies. Key provisions include requiring nursing homes to have alternative sources of energy capable of heating, cooling and ventilation for at least 4 days; requiring states to prioritize nursing homes in the same manner as hospitals are prioritized in All-Hazards Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans; and authorizing civil monetary penalties up to $100,000 for non-compliance resulting in a resident’s death. To read the bill, copy and paste the following link in your browser: https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr4704/BILLS-115hr4704ih.pdf.

To increase the chances of success, the bill needs as much congressional support and as many cosponsors as possible right from the beginning. Members of Congress are more likely to support or sign on to a bill if it has support from national organizations and state/local groups/programs from their state.

Please show your support for the bill by agreeing to have your organization’s name listed on a letter from Congresswoman Wassermann Schultz and Congressman Walberg to their colleagues in the House asking Representatives to join them in enacting these commonsense reforms. To indicate your support, fill out your organization's name and other information below by January 19, 2018.

Help to Honor World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th June 03, 2014

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, 2014. Find out more information about how you can participate in this important event.

Take Action

Let Your Legislators Know You Support Elder Justice Funding! May 02, 2014

Elder abuse is rising, while federal funding for the Elder Justice Act has remained the same – nothing. However, progress may finally be underway. The President has done his part and included important elder justice funding in his budget. Now it’s up to Congress! Tell your legislators to support the Administration’s request today.

Take Action

Tell Congress to Reauthorize the Older Americans Act! April 25, 2014

The OAA was supposed to be reauthorized in 2011. With every day that passes, the future of critical programs that serve seniors is more and more uncertain. Help us send a message to Congress about this important program.

Take Action

Progress on the Elder Justice Initiative in the Senate, but your help is still needed! June 11, 2014

Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education concluded the markup of its Fiscal Year Appropriations bill. This legislation, which puts forth funding amounts for all programs under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, included $10 million for the President’s Elder Justice Initiative. However, your help is still needed to urge Congress to fund this important initiative!

Action Update

Join Us for the Virtual Kick-Off of our Staffing Campaign! June 11, 2014

You are invited to the Virtual Kickoff of our Nursing Home Staffing Public Awareness Campaign; Tuesday, June 24, 2014; 2:00 – 3:15 pm ET. This 75 minute webinar/teleconference that will include both an official launch and an educational and action component.

News Article

Consumer Voice Staff Present on Nursing Home Transitions June 09, 2014

On May 28th, the Consumer Voice’s Sara Cirba and Amity Overall Laib presented in a webinar hosted by the National Legal Resource Center entitled “Supporting Consumers Who Transition Out of Nursing Homes.”

News Article

Applications Now Available For FREE Advocacy Skills Trainings! June 09, 2014

As part of our Consumers for Quality Care, No Matter Where initiative, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) is offering FREE state-based, in-person advocacy trainings for individuals and groups with the capacity to make an impact on policy and contribute to the Consumer Voice’s national efforts. Applications for these trainings are now available - we welcome long-term care ombudsman programs, Citizen Advocacy Groups, family/caregiving groups, consumer alliances, disability groups, community organizations, senior organizations and others to apply to receive these trainings.

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