Two related associations have formed an alliance to offer education and resources to healthcare professionals working in post-acute and long-term care settings. Members of AMDA—The  Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine include medical directors, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other practitioners working in post-acute and long-term care settings. The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) represents the interests of all advanced practice nurses who work with older adults.

AMDA will offer deeply discounted memberships to GAPNA members, giving them access to the society’s evidence-based education and resources for interdisciplinary teams working in nursing homes.

“It is building the ability of both organizations,” said AMDA Executive Director Christopher Laxton, CAE. The overall goal is to improve the quality of care for geriatric, post-acute, and long-term-care patients.

Historically, most AMDA members were nursing home medical directors. Three years ago, the society changed its name to reflect a broader group of members, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This change and the new discounted memberships for GAPNA members extend the society’s reach and strengthen the relationship between the two associations.

Because nursing home care is team-based, the two associations have been partners for years and have collaborated on clinical practice guidelines, Laxton said. When related associations have collegial relationships—especially if their industry is facing disruption—it makes sense to form alliances, he added, noting that “the opportunity to collaborate rather than compete is a good thing.”

“As the country looks for ways to deliver better care at a lower cost, regulatory developments and care delivery developments” may present challenges to both associations’ members, and joining forces will strengthen the industry and “build a strong, unified voice,” Laxton said.

Many GAPNA members attend AMDA’s conference as well, Laxton explained. Those looking for nursing-home-specific education found it at the society’s conferences. Because teams often attend meetings together, both associations might see an uptick in their conference attendance, Laxton said.

“This partnership allows for deeper engagement among our respective disciplines and an opportunity to optimally influence decisions that affect the care of older adults,” GAPNA President Katherine Evans said in a statement. “Working together, we will provide networking opportunities for kindred spirits and offer quality, easily accessible, evidence-based resources to our members.”

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