Sept. 5, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Lauren Shaham, 202-508-1219

Statement from Larry Minnix,
President & CEO
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging

Dr. Mark McClellan’s focus on public benefit-oriented policy at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) yielded the successful implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, a sustained focus on nursing home quality and support for the broader continuum of care, which allows more seniors to remain at home and receive the services they need. His impact as administrator extends beyond the substance of his commitment to quality improvement to his style of working with consumers, providers and policy makers in an even-handed transparent way.

The upcoming Nursing Home Quality Summit on Sept. 29 is an example of how Dr. McClellan’s leadership and openness built partnerships that foster quality in aging services. The Nursing Home Quality Campaign, which will launch at the summit, will be a lasting legacy of his tenure as CMS administrator.

We thank him for his service to our country and wish him the best in future endeavors.

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About AAHSA
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,800 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA’s commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.