
ANCOR Provides Essential Tools for HHS RFI Response
The Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting healthcare and human services providers through strategic partnerships and comprehensive member resources. Recently, ANCOR has provided valuable tools to assist members in responding to Health and Human Services (HHS) Request for Information initiatives, demonstrating the collaborative approach that defines modern healthcare advocacy.
This content is restricted to RCPA members. If you are an existing member, please log in. If you are interested in obtaining membership, visit Join RCPA for more information.
Mission: Representing Quality Healthcare Providers
The association stands as a dedicated advocate for providers of health and human services who are committed to delivering effective, efficient, and high-quality care to communities across Pennsylvania. This organization serves as a vital bridge between healthcare providers and policymakers, ensuring that the voices of frontline care providers are heard in critical decision-making processes.
The comprehensive approach to member support encompasses government relations, policy advocacy, professional development, and industry networking opportunities that directly benefit healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
Strategic National Partnerships and Memberships
The organization’s influence extends beyond state boundaries through its active membership in several prestigious national organizations. These partnerships strengthen the association’s ability to advocate effectively for its members:
American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA): Through its affiliation with AMRPA (www.amrpa.org), the association connects with rehabilitation providers nationwide, sharing best practices and coordinating advocacy efforts for medical rehabilitation services.
The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR): This partnership with ANCOR (www.ancor.org) provides members access to cutting-edge resources for community-based services and intellectual disability support programs.
National Council for Mental Wellbeing: This collaboration with the National Council (www.thenationalcouncil.org) ensures members stay informed about mental health policy developments and evidence-based treatment approaches.
Comprehensive Communication and Information Sharing
Real-Time Industry Updates
The association recognizes that healthcare providers need immediate access to critical industry information. Multiple communication channels ensure members receive timely updates:
Digital Communication Platforms: When in-person attendance isn’t possible, the organization reaches members through email communications, conference calls, and professional webcasts that deliver essential information directly to healthcare providers.
Daily Updates and Alerts: The association’s daily communication system provides members with up-to-the-minute critical industry news, policy changes, and regulatory updates that impact healthcare delivery.
Digital Presence: The organization’s website and social media platforms serve as central hubs for sharing breaking news, policy analysis, and industry developments that affect healthcare providers and their patients.
Government Relations and Policy Advocacy
Year-Round Legislative Representation
The government relations and public policy team functions as a continuous advocate for member interests in Pennsylvania’s capital. This dedicated team has cultivated strong relationships with legislators, state administrators, and other government officials, positioning the association and its members as primary resources and advisers on human services issues.
This strategic approach to government relations ensures that healthcare provider perspectives are consistently represented in policy discussions that affect service delivery and funding mechanisms.
Media Relations and Public Advocacy
The organization has strategically positioned itself as a trusted information resource for local and regional media outlets. This media presence amplifies advocacy efforts and ensures public awareness of critical healthcare issues.
Notable Media Appearances: President and CEO Richard Edley’s February 7, 2017 interview on Comcast Newsmakers highlighted the essential services that members provide and their dependence on public funding to maintain service availability.
Legislative Testimony: Richard Edley’s June 22, 2017 testimony on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before the Pennsylvania legislature (PCN Clip) demonstrated the organization’s commitment to evidence-based policy advocacy.
Professional Development and Industry Education
Educational offerings represent a cornerstone of member value, providing healthcare providers with essential knowledge and skills development opportunities:
Annual Conferences: The association’s highly anticipated annual conferences bring together healthcare professionals from across Pennsylvania to discuss emerging trends, policy developments, and innovative care delivery models.
Regional Training Programs: Geographically accessible regional offerings ensure that all members can participate in professional development activities regardless of their location.
Specialized Seminars: Topic-specific seminars address critical areas such as regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
Service-Line Committees: These specialized committees allow members to focus on specific areas of healthcare delivery, sharing best practices and developing industry-specific solutions.
Member Benefits and Support Services
Advocacy and Representation
Members benefit from continuous advocacy efforts that address regulatory challenges, funding concerns, and policy developments affecting healthcare delivery. The association’s established relationships with government officials ensure member voices reach decision-makers effectively.
Networking and Collaboration
Professional networking opportunities connect healthcare providers across Pennsylvania, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing that improves patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Resource Access
Members gain access to exclusive resources, including policy analysis, regulatory guidance, best practice documentation, and industry research that supports informed decision-making.
Through these comprehensive educational programs and support services, the organization ensures its members remain current on the latest developments in policy, business operations, leadership strategies, and evidence-based best practices that improve patient outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
Healthcare providers who join this association gain access to a powerful network of advocacy, education, and support that strengthens their ability to deliver quality care while navigating complex regulatory and funding environments.