Theresa Forster is Vice President for Hospice Policy & Programs at the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). She coordinates the organization’s legislative, regulatory, and other efforts on behalf of hospice providers.
She has been at NAHC since 1996, and previously served as Director of the Special Committee on Aging of the United States Senate. In that capacity, she directed Committee efforts to investigate concerns related to the senior citizens of the nation.
Theresa began her career with 11 years of service in the U.S. Senate, much of which she spent on the staff of Senator David Pryor of Arkansas, advising on legislation regarding Medicare, Medicaid, health and welfare issues.
Katie Wehri is the Director of Home Health and Hospice Regulatory Affairs for NAHC. She has over 30 years of experience in home health and hospice, holding several executive-level positions.
Katie has extensive and direct knowledge of industry operations, regulation, accreditation standards, interpretation and compliance, quality assessment, and performance improvement programming and compliance programs.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in health care administration and human resources from the Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Theresa and Katie combine to provide a one-two combination of policy and program advocacy that addresses virtually all areas and levels.
They provide direct support for hospice and palliative care providers, as well as proactive planning of initiatives and innovations for hospice and palliative care advancement. They engage with Congress and the federal administration on all things hospice and palliative care, including urgent matters of both positive opportunity and critical reshaping of policies.
They are nationwide educational leaders, promoting hospice and palliative care awareness, utilization, clinical and program best practices, and advancement in quality of care and access.
Theresa and Katie directly work in support of HCA and our New York hospice and palliative care members to provide vital information and gather input.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The HCA Advocacy Award recognizes a provider agency or person who took risks to improve the home care or hospice industry, clients, and workers through their advocacy efforts.