Public Policy and Quality First

Updated: February 28, 2005

AAHSA Quality First is a philosophy of quality and a framework for earning public trust in aging services. Quality First reinforces the commitment of our members to maximize quality of care and quality of life for older adults. AAHSA Quality First allows consumers to have confidence that the aging services they choose for themselves and their loved ones will meet or exceed their needs and expectations.

Sound public policy is critical to address the challenges that must be met in order for our members to continue providing the highest quality services. AAHSA makes the following recommendations to policymakers for a wide range of initiatives to support Quality First's 10 Elements of Quality:

1. Commitment — Commit to a partnership with aging services providers to create an environment in which consumers feel confident that they are receiving the high quality care and service they deserve.
2. Governance and Accountability — Pursue strategies to link payment and quality in the provision of aging services. As the dominant payers for long-term care, federal and state governments have an obligation to ensure adequate funding to support high quality care and services as well as to seek accountability from providers for responsible stewardship of the public funds they receive.
3. Leading-Edge Care and Services — Provide adequate funding for Older Americans Act programs, Social Services Block Grants, senior transportation, housing and other services, and reduce barriers to the integration of low-income housing with health and supportive services. Recognize the potential for technological innovation to revolutionize the provision of aging services and develop avenues to help fund greater diffusion of such technologies.
4. Community Involvement — Include the public in the long-term debate over the future of aging services — what long-term care will look like in the coming decades, how it will be financed, the roles of individuals and government. Ensure that public policy is responsive to the needs of older adults.
5. Continuous Quality Improvement — Develop and fund programs and demonstrations that foster use of CQI methods to enhance programs, improve effectiveness and foster a collaborative work environment.
6. Human Resources Development — Support initiatives to increase the supply of trained nursing care staff nationwide, including full funding for the Nurse Reinvestment Act. Foster development of creative approaches to recruitment and retention of staff and eliminate barriers to effective staffing.
7. Consumer-Friendly Information — Ensure that public reporting systems regarding aging services convey valid, reliable and meaningful information to consumers. Foster development of better ways to measure quality and to provide consumers with accurate comparative information.
8. Consumer Participation — Ensure that consumers have adequate access to affordable housing and needed services in the most appropriate setting. Develop programs, demonstrations and legislation that increase services, choices and supports for caregivers and consumers.
9. Research Findings and Education — Fund research, development, and dissemination of evidence-based best practices in aging services.
10. Public Trust and Consumer Confidence — Ensure that we provide older citizens with a healthy, affordable, ethical aging services system that instills trust and confidence.

Excellence in aging services requires commitment, responsibility and a belief that aging has a fulfilling purpose in life, and that our society's elders have an enduring value to family and community. AAHSA is pleased to offer the tools, information, education and support to assist our members in fulfilling their commitment to the Quality First Covenant at www.aahsa.org/qualityfirst.