Parkinson (far left) and Minnix (far right) watch President Obama sign the IMPACT Act.

Long-term care leaders were on hand as President Barack Obama signed the IMPACT Act into law on Oct. 6. Under the measure, different types of post-acute providers will begin submitting standardized assessment data in 2019. The theory is that this will support a more equitable payment system.

American Health Care Association President and CEO Mark Parkinson and LeadingAge
President and CEO Larry Minnix were at the White House for the signing. Both organizations helped formulate key provisions of the legislation. 

In conjunction with the bill becoming law, the White House announced executive actions changing the Five Star nursing home ratings. A scathing New York Times article in August raised doubts about the accuracy of self-reported data and providers’ ability to game the system.