National Association of Health Care Assistants

National Association of Health Care Assistants is a professional organization that represents Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other health care assistants working in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other health care settings. The organization was founded by Lori Porter, a renowned health care leader, with the support of American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. The National Association of Health Care Assistants has partnerships with American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) to promote infection control and patient safety. The organization also collaborates with American Medical Association (AMA), American Nurses Association (ANA), and National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to advance the health care workforce.

● History

The National Association of Health Care Assistants was established in 2009 with the goal of promoting excellence in care and recognizing the vital role of health care assistants in the health care system. The organization's founding was supported by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and National Institute on Aging (NIA). The National Association of Health Care Assistants has grown to become a leading voice for health care assistants, with members from American Hospital Association (AHA), Catholic Health Association (CHA), and National Association of Health Care Facilities (NAHCF). The organization has also worked with Joint Commission, National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and Leapfrog Group to promote quality improvement and patient-centered care.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the National Association of Health Care Assistants is to promote professional development, advocacy, and recognition for health care assistants. The organization's objectives include providing education and training opportunities, promoting certification and credentialing, and advocating for policy changes that support the health care workforce. The National Association of Health Care Assistants works with National League for Nursing (NLN), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (NOADN) to advance nursing education and workforce development. The organization also partners with AARP, National Council on Aging (NCOA), and Alzheimer's Association to promote aging and health initiatives.

● Membership_and_Certification

The National Association of Health Care Assistants offers membership to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Certified Medication Aides (CMAs), and other health care assistants. The organization provides certification and credentialing programs, including the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and the Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certification. The National Association of Health Care Assistants also offers continuing education opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and online courses, in partnership with American Heart Association (AHA), National Safety Council (NSC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The organization's members include health care professionals from Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Indian Health Service (IHS), and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

● Education_and_Training

The National Association of Health Care Assistants provides education and training opportunities for health care assistants, including certification programs, continuing education courses, and professional development workshops. The organization partners with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) to promote infection control and patient safety. The National Association of Health Care Assistants also offers scholarships and awards to recognize excellence in care and professional achievement, in collaboration with American Medical Association (AMA), American Nurses Association (ANA), and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The National Association of Health Care Assistants advocates for policy changes that support the health care workforce and promote excellence in care. The organization works with Congress, White House, and federal agencies to advance health care reform and workforce development initiatives. The National Association of Health Care Assistants also partners with state and local governments, health care organizations, and community groups to promote health care access and health equity, in collaboration with National Association of County Health Officials (NACCHO), National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO), and American Public Health Association (APHA).

● Leadership_and_Governance

The National Association of Health Care Assistants is led by a board of directors composed of health care leaders and experts in the field. The organization's president and CEO is responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction and operations. The National Association of Health Care Assistants also has a committee structure that includes committees on education and training, advocacy and policy, and membership and certification. The organization's members include health care professionals from Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, and the organization partners with American Hospital Association (AHA), Catholic Health Association (CHA), and National Association of Health Care Facilities (NAHCF) to advance health care excellence.

Category:Health care organizations