Complexities of Addressing Long-Term Care Challenges During Emergencies: Perspectives from the Field
October 5, 2026
Alysia Mihalakos, MPH | Chief, Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPR), Division of Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease (EPID), Rhode Island Department of Health
Emergencies in long-term care require state leaders to make complex decisions that cut across resident safety and autonomy, facility operations, regulation and the broader healthcare system, often with limited information and evidence to guide them. Drawing on real-world experiences in emergency preparedness and response, Alysia Mihalakos discussed challenges ranging from determining when indoor conditions become unsafe during extreme weather or power outages to weighing the risks of evacuation and relocation, highlighting questions where research could inform preparedness, response and decision-making.
Understanding the Assisted Living Landscape: Emerging Policy Issues and Opportunities for Research
July 16, 2026
Jill Schewe | Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL)
Assisted living is an increasingly important setting for older adults, yet it remains less studied and less standardized than nursing homes. At the same time, new data resources, provider partnerships, and growing policy attention are creating opportunities to better understand assisted living residents, care delivery, and outcomes. This discussion will explore the evolving assisted living landscape, including state-by-state regulatory variation, emerging federal policy initiatives, Medicaid and HCBS-related issues, and growing expectations around quality and accountability. Discussion will center on how these developments are shaping providers and residents, where important evidence gaps remain, and how researchers can contribute to policy and practice.
Payment Reform and Emerging Priorities in Long-Term Care Research
May 21, 2026
Nisha Hammel, MSW | Vice President, Reimbursement Policy & Population Health,American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living
Grant Beebe, DrPH | Director of Medicaid Policy, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living
Long-term care providers are navigating evolving payment models, reimbursement pressures, and growing expectations around quality and accountability. In this discussion, industry leaders from AHCA/NCAL will share how Medicare Advantage, ACOs, other value-based arrangements, Medicaid reimbursement, and state quality incentive programs are shaping provider decision-making, operations, and care delivery. The session is designed to help researchers better understand how payment and policy changes are influencing provider priorities and identify opportunities for partner-engaged research that could inform policy and practice.