The American Health Care Association hailed a Texas judge’s decision to overturn a Biden-era rule that mandated 24-hour nursing care in Medicaid/Medicare facilities. The organization argued that the policy was unrealistic and threatened the viability of nursing homes, and it expressed eagerness to work with Congress and the Trump administration to pursue more common‐sense workforce solutions.

The American Health Care Association, along with other nursing home operators in Texas, joined a lawsuit against the Biden administration over a CMS final rule that mandates increased staffing levels in nursing homes. In a statement, AHCA CEO Mark Parkinson decried the rule as an unfunded mandate that could displace residents and argued that the requirements are outdated and overly burdensome.

AHCA, a prominent trade association for nursing homes, has actively opposed the CMS final rule establishing a national minimum for nurse staffing requirements. Notably, after spending nearly $4.15 million on lobbying in 2023 and a total of $17 million since 2020, AHCA, along with LeadingAge, is now pursuing legal action by filing a lawsuit in May 2024 to block the rule, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers Schakowsky and Warren who argue that these actions undermine care quality for seniors.

AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson and Senior VP of Government Relations Clifton Porter were listed among The Hill’s 2023 Top Lobbyists, highlighting their active engagement in lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill after pandemic restrictions were lifted.

The OpenSecrets profile details the American Health Care Association's longstanding lobbying activities and spending totals, highlighting its significant engagement in influencing healthcare policy and regulatory frameworks over the years.

The American Health Care Association, which represents numerous nursing home facilities, has been actively lobbying against a proposed minimum staffing standard for nursing homes. The association argues that such a mandate would be an unfunded obligation in the context of low Medicaid rates, potentially forcing facilities to reduce capacity or close, thereby exacerbating access-to-care issues.

AHCA, the trade association representing US nursing home providers, indicated its readiness to sue if the forthcoming federal minimum staffing rule proves overly strict. The association is also engaging in lobbying and grassroots efforts with lawmakers to push for amendments and accommodations in the proposed rule, arguing that such mandates could worsen workforce shortages and burnout.

On June 6, 2023, AHCA representatives, including CEO Mark Parkinson, lobbied on Capitol Hill to oppose the proposed minimum staffing regulations. The industry leaders argued that such staffing mandates would force nursing homes to close parts of their operations, citing potential negative impacts on both care access for seniors and workforce stability.

AHCA spent $3.9 million lobbying against a proposed federal nursing home staffing mandate, arguing that forcing under-resourced facilities to meet higher staffing levels without additional support would lead to disaster. Lawmakers and union leaders criticized this stance, claiming it undermines both patient care and fair labor practices.

According to OpenSecrets, the American Health Care Association's PAC raised $989,649 during the 2021-2022 election cycle, highlighting the organization's active role in political fundraising and potential influence in healthcare policy.