Local Officials Engage with Health Care Leaders at Nursing Facility

State Representative Trent Ashby and former Angelina County Commissioner Rocky Thigpen participated in a tour of the Parkwood in the Pines skilled nursing facility in Lufkin, Texas, on Monday afternoon. The visit, organized by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) and Priority Management, aimed to provide insights into the operations of the facility and address ongoing concerns within the health care sector.

During the tour, Doug Boulware, managing partner of Priority Management, which owns 29 health care facilities across Texas and several in Louisiana, acknowledged the vital support from state and federal governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated, “Had it not been for the state and federal governments, we would have closed.” Boulware emphasized the need for community understanding regarding nursing homes, noting that many families are unaware of what to expect until they have a loved one in care.

Boulware highlighted the facility’s mission to rehabilitate patients and return them to their homes after extensive therapy. He expressed his support for Thigpen’s candidacy, offering assistance to constituents who may have concerns about nursing homes or questions regarding the industry.

Ashby praised the THCA, led by former state representative Travis Clardy, for its guidance on policy and funding issues that affect health care. He remarked on the organization’s role in informing legislators on critical health care matters.

Boulware further commended Texas for effectively managing federal programs such as Medicaid, which he stated is essential for families seeking affordable care options for their parents. He revealed that despite the company’s Dallas headquarters, approximately 80% of their nursing homes serve rural communities, asserting, “We love rural health care.”

Challenges in Nursing Home Regulations

The discussion included concerns about the regulatory environment in Texas. Rick Forscutt, company president, shared that Texas has some of the most stringent regulations in the country, issuing more “immediate jeopardy” citations than any other state. He recounted an incident where Parkwood’s five-star rating was downgraded to one star after a disoriented resident caused a minor incident, despite the facility adhering to appropriate protocols.

Thigpen reflected on his own experience, noting that both his parents were admitted to Parkwood prior to their passing and praised the admission process. Boulware pointed out that many individuals spend more time selecting a new car than choosing a nursing home, highlighting the importance of referrals in the decision-making process.

Boulware mentioned a recent lunch with Donald Trump in Cleveland, where they discussed the pressing issue of labor shortages in the health care sector. “We have a shortage of health care professionals,” he stated, underscoring the challenges facing the industry.

Cameron Shepherd, THCA’s director of membership services and government relations, expressed hope that the association can serve as a valuable resource for officials who may lack familiarity with the health care landscape. The tour concluded with a commitment from both elected officials and health care leaders to continue engaging with the community and addressing the evolving needs of the health care industry.