I speak on behalf of not only myself, but a multitude of Executive Directors, that I have had the honor to work  with for the past 20+ years in the assisted living arena. Having supported multi site operations in both VA and other states throughout the East Coast, I find it appalling that assisted living Executive Directors are being mandated to take a test that neither pertains to the direct care of their residents nor the operation of their community. Expecting Executive Directors to sit for a nursing home examination would be no different than asking a skilled physician to change their speciality at another's whim!  Not only would that physician be asked to produce knowledge that he/she is unfamiliar with, but, more importantly, the mere task of asking for such an expectation sets a negative tone.  Requesting that our assisted living directors become nursing home administrators goes directly to the heart of what they do and who they are; professionals who chose to break away from the conventional and dedicate themselves to a better way of caring for our aging population. Take away their speciality and you take away their passion!

I support a state mandated exam produced by the state of VA that holds our Executive Directors accountable for the care of their residents.  This would be a fair and equitable process.  Having served in surrounding states and become familiar with various sets of regulations, I have personally observed the success of state required exams produced by state regulatory entities. After all, when examining the "big picture" the requirement of the NAB not only questions our Executive Directors' abilities, but doesn't it also question the ability of  DSS? The exact entity that the state has designated to hold our EDs accountable? Should they not have the right to develop the state exam?  I find this disconnect quite puzzling.

All of us in the assisted living field can continue to voice our dissent regarding this national exam and it is certainly evident during this public forum. But, let us break this issue down to one simple premise... if we force our colleagues to be what they are not, their heart will be gone. And no matter the words or sentiments that are expressed during this time, it will ultimately be our seniors that will suffer ...for that is why they and their families have chosen assisted living... for the heart.  Knowledge is powerful, yes, but I cannot teach someone to have a good heart.  Either is exists, or it does not.

Thank you for this opportunity to respond,

Ann Coda

Director of Human Resources, Training and Development

Greenfield Senior Living