The hospice community is facing unprecedented challenges. Hospice reimbursement rates are facing cuts of up to 14% through 2019. New federal regulations seem to be issued on an ever-increasing basis. We here at the Hospice Action Network understand that these days it’s a full-time job just keeping the patients and families cared for, the bills paid and the doors open. Few hospices have the resources for their own government affairs staff. In many cases the administrative, development, and clinical staff members wear multiple hats: they might even all be the same person!

It can be a daunting task understanding federal policy and how to utilize advocacy to leverage your hospice’s position in the community. It is critical for hospice professionals to understand the political landscape that creates these challenges and have the tools at your disposal to influence the future of hospice through a focused advocacy campaign that benefits your program in tangible ways and helps the entire hospice community. That’s why the Hospice Action Network and NHPCO are bringing you...

Held just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C. on June 18th-19th, this two day conference will focus exclusively on Hospice Advocacy, and teach you best practices you can use when interacting with your Members of Congress on behalf of your hospice program. Any and all members of the hospice community are encouraged to participate in this event- from clinicians to development managers to volunteers! Conference highlights include:

• Meetings at the United States Capitol with your Members of Congress and their staff, arranged for you by the Hospice Action Network.
• A political ‘snapshot’ of the current Hill climate and how that relates to hospice care back home- great if you need to brief your Board of Directors!
• Exclusive panel discussions with key Hill staff members on best practices for communicating with your Senators and Representatives, including what’s beneficial about site visits to your program, and how best to communicate with your Members of Congress’ offices.
• An evening dinner keynote address by a current Member of Congress.
• Networking / Message Coordination sessions with other attendees from your state to focus and maximize the impact of the hospice community on Capitol Hill.
• A Pep Rally before your congressional meetings with the entire conference (along with some surprise guests) - great photo ops for newsletters and local media outreach!

In addition, the Advocacy Intensive will feature three concurrent sessions, each focusing on teaching a different critical aspect of Hospice Advocacy that you can use back at your program:

• In-District Advocacy: Sure, coming to Capitol Hill is great, but how can I continue to build and leverage relationships with my Members of Congress back at home? From program visits with your Members of Congress, to video testimonials, to becoming your Member of Congress’s ‘go-to’ source on hospice issues, you’ll get the basics here. You’ll learn how to implement these initiatives with minimal staff or material resources and develop strategies to translate your advocacy into something that will make you stand out in your community. This session will focus on taking a one-time D.C. visit and turning it into a mutually beneficial, lasting relationship with your Member of Congress. Great for individuals interested in grassroots activity and for first time attendees to a Hospice Action Network event.
• Media Advocacy: Your local newspapers and television stations are always looking for a great story. Having a Member of Congress visit your program is a great way to raise the profile of your program and create awareness about hospice, but only if members of the media know about it. Sit in on this session to learn how to get positive stories about your interactions with your Members of Congress placed in local media, as well as learn good tactics about raising the positive profile of hospice in your area.
• Lobbyist Roundtable: Are you already an experienced Hospice Advocate? Sit in on our roundtable session featuring the bipartisan panel of Hospice Action Network lobbyists. With a cumulative total of over 50 years on Capitol Hill as staffers and consultants on health care issues at the highest levels of government, our lobbying team can give you great insights about the current political state and how to best leverage your advanced relationships with congressional offices into tangible advocacy results.

Now here’s the best part- the HAN Advocacy Intensive is FREE! Attendees only pay travel and lodging. Lunch and dinner are included on the 18th, and breakfast and a midday snack are included on the 19th. Due to space restrictions, attendance at this event will be limited. Come early and enjoy the great Capitol Hill attractions and the wonderful museums on the Mall!

Registration for the Advocacy Intensive will begin in early 2012- check back here for more details or email us at info@nhpcohan.org.