Kansas governor to head nursing-home lobby

The American Health Care Association announced Monday that Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson (D) will take over as president of the long-term care industry group and its National Center for Assisted Living in January following his term in office.

Parkinson has owned and operated long-term care facilities for more than 15 years, AHCA said in a press statement, making him an ideal choice to head the group.

"In this new era of health reform, Parkinson’s deep background in this sector coupled with his policy expertise, will serve our members well as we look to future challenges," the statement said. "As a policymaker who knows how Washington works, and as the owner and operator of several skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, he will be a measured voice to speak on the elderly’s behalf."