Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson named AHCA’s next president

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WASHINGTON, D.C.-The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced that Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson has been selected as its next president and CEO. Parkinson will begin his term with AHCA/NCAL in January following his term in office, succeeding Bruce Yarwood, the association’s current president and CEO.

“In this new era of health reform, Governor Parkinson’s deep background in this sector, coupled with his policy expertise, will serve our members well as we look to future challenges,” said Robert Van Dyk, chair of AHCA’s Board of Governors, in a statement. “America’s long-term care needs will only grow in the coming years as baby boomers age. A policymaker who knows how Washington works, and as the owner and operator of several skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, Mark will be that measured voice to speak on the elderly’s behalf.”

Parkinson has more than 15 years of experience owning and operating long-term care facilities, both as the CEO of Ad Astra Development, LLC, in Olathe, Kansas; and as chairman of the board, founder, and developer of Allen Park, Inc., Allen Park Two, Inc., and Allen Park Three, Inc. He has helped develop 10 separate facilities in Kansas and Missouri covering the entire continuum of care.

“I have always intended to return to the business of caring for our senior citizens with dignity,” Parkinson said in a separate statement. “My wife Stacy and I share a passion for this cause, and we have been fortunate to make a difference in the lives of thousands of senior citizens and their families.”

Skilled Healthcare to pay $50 million settlement

Skilled Healthcare Group, Inc., will pay $50 million to settle a case where jurors found the company improperly staffed 22 California nursing homes-a verdict originally worth $677 million.

Under the terms of the settlement, Skilled Healthcare will deposit a total of $50 million into escrow accounts to cover settlement payments to members of the class action lawsuit-about 32,000 people, including residents and the families of residents who are deceased. The escrow accounts are expected to be funded by Skilled Healthcare’s revolving credit facility.

On July 6, a California jury found that in 22 of its facilities, Skilled Healthcare violated a state statute that mandates nursing homes maintain 3.2 nursing hours per-patient per-day.

In settling the case, Skilled Healthcare admits no wrongdoing. The settlement, however, must be still be approved by a California court.

An injunction has also been issued requiring the 22 nursing facilities provide specified nurse staffing levels, comply with specified state and federal laws governing staffing levels and posting requirements, and provide reports and information to a monitor. The injunction will remain in effect for a period of 24 months unless extended for additional three-month periods as to those defendants that may be found in violation.

Skilled Healthcare sought a mistrial after the original verdict, claiming juror misconduct, but its request was denied on August 27.

LTL NEWS TICKER ‖ Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will cost 1% of global GDP, or $604 billion, this year, according to The World Alzheimer Report 2010 ‖ An analysis recently published in Health Affairs shows approximately $55.6 billion-or 2.4% of total healthcare spending-is exhausted annually on malpractice costs ‖

Long-Term Living 2010 October;59(10):14