WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 7, 2018)—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has retained Brown & Fortunato, P.C., a Texas-based law firm with a national health care practice, to provide a range of legal and advisory services. Longtime HME advocate Cara Bachenheimer, who is set to join Brown & Fortunato on June 1, will be taking a leading role in this engagement, providing General Counsel support on regulatory, legislative and Association governance fronts.

“Cara Bachenheimer is one of the most respected individuals in the HME advocacy arena,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “We are excited to add her considerable expertise and credibility to the fight for sustainable reimbursement rates and sensible regulatory policies for our industry.”

“I have had a front-row view of Bachenheimer’s work on HME public policy issues over the years, and I have always come away impressed by her depth of knowledge and strategic thinking,” added Ryan. “She has a great sense of what can practically be accomplished on Capitol Hill and at regulatory agencies and has a clear view of the best path forward to achieve it.”

Bachenheimer has been a strong presence on HME regulatory and legislative efforts though her role as senior vice president for government relations with Invacare Corporation during the last 14 years. Her 30 years of experience in the health care field also includes serving as vice president of government relations for the Health Industry Distributors Association.

Bachenheimer’s leadership on behalf of the HME community also includes participation on AAHomecare’s Regulatory Council, and she has served on the Association’s Board of Directors since 2012. Her numerous industry honors include a Homecare Champion award from AAHomecare in 2014.

“I am also pleased that we are formalizing our long-standing relationship with Jeff Baird and Brown & Fortunato,” added Ryan, referring to the head of the firm’s health care practice. “Jeff and his company have been active supporters of AAHomecare and the HME community for as long as I can remember, and he is truly committed to helping secure better public policy for this industry.”

Visit aahomecare.org for more information.