April 30, 2024

In this Issue:

1. Become a Consumer Voice Member and Join the Exclusive Member Call Next Week
2. Older Americans Month Begins May 1
3. HHS Issues Final Rule on Nondiscrimination in Health Care Programs
4. Tools and Resources Available for WEAAD Planning

Become a Consumer Voice Member and Join the Exclusive Member Call Next Week

Consumer Voice offers a 12-month membership program, open to anyone interested in supporting and advocating for long-term care consumers. Become a member now to join a community of like-minded advocates and to attend the upcoming private member call on Wednesday, May 8th at 2:00pm ET.

With the release of new regulations, pending legislation in the works, and programs being developed, there is a lot going on with federal policy and programs. Join Consumer Voice staff May 8th for the latest updates and opportunities to get involved in impacting national issues. This information and access to experts is being provided exclusively to Consumer Voice members.

Consumer Voice members received registration details for this call via email. If you did not receive this email and would like to attend join or renew your membership or email info@theconsumervoice.org to inquire about your membership status.

In addition to getting access to member calls, Consumer Voice members also are eligible for significantly discounted rates for the annual conference - registration opening soon! Group memberships provide member benefits to individuals in an organization's staff.

Are you receiving long-term care or services? You can become a member for free! Email info@theconsumervoice.org to sign up.

Older Americans Month Begins May 1

May is Older Americans Month.  The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. This month, led by the Administration for Community Living, will explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.

Visit ACL's website for more information.

HHS Issues Final Rule on Nondiscrimination in Health Care Programs

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule to strengthen nondiscrimination protections and advance civil rights in health care, under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.  The rule aims to strengthen protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability; reduce language access barriers; expand physical and digital accessibility; and address bias in health technology, among other initiatives.

Learn more details about the rule in HHS' press release.

Tools and Resources Available for WEAAD Planning

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. Get started planning with a variety of tools and resources provided by the National Center on Elder Abuse.  WEAAD provides an opportunity to promote dialogue and action on the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

Save the date for Wednesday, June 12 at 10:00am ET for the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) meeting. The EJCC is comprised of 17 federal departments and agencies to coordinate activities related to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation across the federal government. The June 2024 meeting will provide an overview of the first 10 years of EJCC accomplishments and lay out the plan for the Council’s next decade of elder justice commitments.