For Immediate Release
March 3, 2020

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Association of Health Facilities has joined a coalition of long term care advocates in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed 2020-21 $222 billion budget that extends the current reimbursement system, stabilizes funding and provides incentives for the delivery of quality skilled nursing services.

California for Quality Care consists of doctors, nurses, senior advocates, memory care organizations, therapists and skilled nursing providers who support the administration's effort to invest in quality care and begin a foundation for a Healthy California for All.

Gov. Newsom's proposed budget includes a provision for California skilled nursing facilities that extends the current AB 1629 reimbursement framework for four years and ties future rate increases to specific quality improvement measures.

The administration's Budget Summary indicates it intends to move from a cost-based methodology to one that better incentivizes value and quality. Specifically, the summary states that reforms to the existing financing model will enable nursing facilities to invest in quality patient care while assuring the long term financial viability of the sector.

"Three out of every four Californians will use skilled nursing and rehabilitation at some point during their lives and the proposed budget reflects an effort to respond to the ongoing need for quality services," said geriatric physician Dr. Karl Steinberg, vice president of the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA). 

"Members of the California Association of Health Facilities strive to provide compassionate, person-centered care on a daily basis," said CAHF CEO/President Craig Cornett. "We support the concepts of a payment system that requires the delivery of quality care and look forward to working with the administration and our coalition partners to develop quality standards that benefit our residents."

For more information, visit www.californiansforqualitycare.org