75 Years of IHCA
Time-tested.
People-focused.
Mission-driven.
A legacy of leadership, resilience and care
Since 1950, the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) has stood at the forefront of long-term care in Iowa. Explore how IHCA has grown, adapted and led through every era of its history.
The Founding Years
1950–1969
A single meeting to a statewide movement
On July 10, 1950, seven long-term care leaders met at the Fort Des Moines Hotel to improve nursing home care in Iowa. The following day, 67 administrators and owners gathered for the association’s first official meeting, launching the Iowa Nursing Home Association (INHA).
By 1951, INHA hosted its first convention with 85 homes represented, and by 1953 had established a nurse scholarship program offering $100 awards. Early members focused on raising care standards, sharing knowledge and speaking with one voice for Iowa’s nursing homes. INHA was also among the first seven state affiliates of the American Association of Nursing Homes — now the American Health Care Association (AHCA).
A Decade of Transition
1970–1979
New names, same mission
In 1972, INHA became the Health Facilities Association of Iowa, and by the mid-1970s, adopted its current name: the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA). These changes aligned with national shifts and clarified IHCA’s mission during a time of expanding regulation and services.
Membership during this decade ranged from 161 to 267 nursing facilities, representing over 20,000 beds by 1978. During this era, IHCA staff worked from a three-bedroom apartment near Valley High School – complete with a fireplace and a dining-room-turned-conference-room that could only seat a handful of people. This humble but resourceful setup reflected IHCA’s grassroots beginnings prior to moving into a dedicated office in 1985.
Building Roots
1980–1989
Planting flags and raising standards
In 1985, IHCA purchased its first permanent office at 950 12th Street in Des Moines – a milestone made possible by dedicated member support. Executive Vice President Larry Breeding led the association through the early part of the decade, followed by Paul Romans in the late 1980s. Membership grew from 264 to 298 nursing facilities, representing over 22,000 beds, while associate membership nearly doubled.
In 1988, IHCA established the Iowa Health Care Association Foundation to expand scholarship and workforce development initiatives. This period also saw the creation of the Iowa Council of Activity Coordinators (ICAC), later renamed the Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP), and the Iowa Council of Gerontological Directors of Nursing — later evolving into Iowa Nurses of Long-Term Care, now known as Nurse Connect. IHCA also supported members as they navigated sweeping regulatory reforms under the Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA ’87), which introduced new federal standards, resident rights and enforcement processes.
Growth and Advocacy
1990–1999
Finding our voice and growing our circle
The 1990s marked a turning point in IHCA’s political engagement. While the Iowa Health Political Action Committee (IH PAC) had existed for years, the association significantly increased its presence at the statehouse and in Washington during this decade, building a stronger voice for providers. Membership steadily rose, reaching 330 nursing facilities and more than 25,000 beds by the end of the decade.
In 1998, Steve Ackerson was named the association’s executive vice president, beginning a 20-year tenure marked by growth, advocacy and modernization. That same year, IHCA welcomed assisted living providers into its membership and launched Extended Care Services of Iowa (ECSI) to support members through cost-saving initiatives. With the reconstruction of I-235 approaching, IHCA sold its 12th Street office in 1999 in preparation for a move west.
A New Century of Care
2000–2009
Fresh faces and big moves
In 2001, IHCA formally launched the Iowa Center for Assisted Living (ICAL), and in 2002, held its first joint convention with ICAL – unveiling new branding for both divisions. The inclusion of assisted living helped drive IHCA membership past 500.
The association continued to lead efforts to modernize Medicaid payment systems and promote quality-based innovation. After a temporary relocation to Westown Parkway, IHCA opened its custom-built 7,500-square-foot headquarters and 80-seat education center in 2009 at 1775 90th Street in West Des Moines. The new facility became a cornerstone for training, events and expanded member engagement.
Stronger Together
2010–2019
Building what’s next
Throughout the 2010s, IHCA played a leading role in navigating major changes in health policy, including Iowa’s transition to managed Medicaid. In 2015, IHCA created its third division — the Iowa Center for Home Care (ICHC). The following year, the association launched the IHCA Leadership Academy, which would evolve into the Executive Health Care Leadership Institute.
In 2017, longtime IHCA CEO Steve Ackerson retired after 20 years of service, and Brent Willett stepped into the role of president and CEO. In 2019, IHCA again led the way nationally by becoming the first AHCA state affiliate to launch a provider-led value-based care network: Iowa Health Care Quality Partners.
Resilience in Crisis
2020–2024
Standing strong through the storm
On March 13, 2020, long-term care facilities across Iowa closed to visitors under a federal mandate in response to COVID-19, ushering in an unprecedented period of isolation and crisis. IHCA sprang into action – issuing real-time updates, securing PPE, advocating for emergency relief, and serving as a direct connection between providers and state officials.
Throughout the crisis, IHCA members demonstrated extraordinary resilience under historic pressure. Exactly 365 days after the first COVID-19 case appeared in an Iowa nursing facility, the state reached zero outbreaks in nursing facilities on March 18, 2021.
IHCA’s commitment to innovation and support didn’t slow during the crisis – it accelerated. The association launched a new on-demand education platform, which by 2025 houses more than 60 courses designed to meet members’ evolving training needs. In 2023, the association introduced IHCA Provider Solutions – a business services division helping members improve quality, reduce costs and streamline operations. Meanwhile, the IHCA Foundation ramped up its support of the workforce, awarding over $300,000 in scholarships to current and aspiring long-term care professionals in 2024 alone — thanks to the generosity of its committed donors.
A Unified Future
2025 and beyond
One voice for Iowa’s long-term care community
As providers continue to recover from pandemic-era workforce losses and economic pressures, IHCA remains focused on advancing innovation and meeting the needs of Iowa’s growing aging population.
Iowa providers continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to quality: since the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program began in 1996, IHCA members have earned 360 Bronze Awards, 39 Silver Awards, and one has achieved the prestigious Gold designation.
In 2025, IHCA unified the governance of its three divisions under a single Board of Trustees and four sector-specific steering cabinets. This streamlined structure reflects IHCA’s identity as one cohesive association, representing more than 800 providers across nursing homes, assisted living programs, home care, residential care, independent living and care continuum services.
Looking Ahead
Honoring the past and shaping the future
For 75 years, IHCA has stood alongside Iowa’s long-term care providers – leading through change, responding to crisis, advocating for solutions and preparing the next generation of caregivers.
From a small gathering in a hotel in 1950 to a network that now touches every corner of the state, IHCA remains rooted in the values of quality, service and leadership. As the needs of Iowans grow more complex and the population ages, IHCA will continue to fight for strong policies, better funding and innovative solutions – ensuring that every Iowan has access to high-quality care when they need it most.
