The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is non-profit federation of affiliated state health organizations, together representing more than 10,000 non-profit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, developmentally-disabled, and subacute care providers that care for more than 1.5 million elderly and disabled individuals nationally. AHCA was founded in 1949 and is based in Washington, D.C. The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) is part of AHCA.
AHCA/NCAL works with Congress and the Federal government to advocate for long term care services. Membership is open to small and large health care facilities as well as long term care administrators, directors of nursing, certified nursing assistants, and facility owners and operators.
AHCA publishes a weekly email newsletter called Capitol Connection and a monthly magazine titled Provider. The publications include breaking news and legislative progress on regulations and issue affecting the long term care industry. The association also offers professional development, educational, and networking opportunities. AHCA/NCAL established their Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes campaign in 2007 to improve care quality in nursing homes.
The AHCA established the National Nursing Home Week in 1967. This is a week long observance recognizing nursing homes. It is held in May, and begins on Mother's Day, the second Sunday of May.