Tom Coble

Q: What are you most proud of about the past two years as AHCA chairman?

A: We’re helping our elected officials and regulators understand that we are all about quality. We are now able to gather the metrics as we work with CMS reform to try to get that reform based on quality rather than someone’s interpretation of a guideline. We’ve been able to move the profession forward.

Q: What was the most surprising part?

A: I’ve been doing this for 23 years now and I’m continually surprised by the lack of understanding of regulators and our elected officials about what truly happens in our facilities. And the election changed everything. We’ve lived through this Medicaid battle and it’s not over. 

Q: What is your advice and hope for the incoming chairman?

A: My advice is to know every day is its own day. The battle is going to continue. We have a wonderful staff at AHCA. They will lighten his load and help him as he moves us forward in whatever way the political winds blow.

Q: What are you looking forward to?

A: I’m going to spend my time working on regulatory reform, chairing the committee for the association. I’m looking forward to that, to focus on one thing.