The National Association of Health Care Assistants was formally established in 1995 by former certified nursing assistants Lori Porter and Lisa Cantrell. Initially working as caregivers, both moved up the nursing home management ladder, Lori eventually becoming a licensed nursing home administrator and Lisa a director of nursing. Throughout their careers, they remained focused on their years as caregivers, realizing that nursing assistants are both the backbone and the heart and soul of the long term care profession.

With these beliefs as their framework, the pair began formulating a plan to fully recognize the contributions caregivers make to long term care. Their goal was to assure the highest quality of care was provided to the nation’s elders living in nursing homes, achieved by elevating the professional standing and performance of nursing assistants. In 1995, they formally established NAHCA™ as a professional association of caregivers for caregivers.

Today, the association has a membership of more than 35,000 caregivers representing over 500 nursing homes in 29 states and the District of Columbia.  Based in Washington, DC, it provides recognition for outstanding achievements, development training for caregivers, mentoring programs to reduce CNA turnover, and advocacy for issues important to long term care and caregivers. The organization also has entered the legislative arena, providing testimony on staffing in long term care before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Our Mission

The Mission of the National Association of Health Care Assistants is to elevate the professional standing and performance of Caregivers through recognition, advocacy, education and empowerment; while building a strong alliance with health care providers to maximize success and quality care.

NAHCA™ is not a bargaining unit and has no connections to any organized labor unions. We do not represent staff members in employment disputes and we do not become involved in disciplinary actions of our members.