2024: A recap of our year

This past year has been a game-changer for IACP members, packed with invaluable experiences and impactful connections. Here’s a snapshot of what made 2024 unforgettable: 

1. 2024 Legislative Session: Our most successful yet! In 2024, we made significant progress on target rate increases and administrative rule changes. We attribute this success to our involved members, who receive the IACP Weekly Bill Watch, keeping them informed on legislation affecting our industry, and the growing engagement with legislators who now better understand and prioritize IACP members’ issues. Together, we’re driving positive, meaningful change for Iowa’s service-delivery system. Our collective success in 2024 included: 
• $1.7m for HCBS waiver buy down 
• $16.5m for HCBS backfill 
• $14.6m for HCBS provider rate increase 
• $1.3m for RBSCL
• $2.1m for mental health rate increases 
• $276k for community mental health center rates
2. Largest Conference Ever: With over 500 people attending, the IACP Annual Conference 2024 set a record! It was our biggest and best conference yet! The event featured top-tier speakers, cutting-edge insights, and unmatched networking opportunities. Attendees also had access to a wide variety of trade show vendors offering incredible business solutions and services to enhance their operations.
3. Weekly Calls with HHS Leadership: Our weekly Executive Director calls offer a unique opportunity for executives to connect directly with Iowa Medicaid and HHS leadership. These sessions provide real-time updates, insights into policy changes, and a platform for open dialogue, allowing executive directors to ask questions, share concerns, and stay ahead of developments that impact their organizations 
4. Training & Education: This year, IACP offered a robust lineup of over 125 webinars and events tailored to all levels, from DSPs to Executive Directors. Our diverse offerings ensured every member, regardless of role, had access to valuable tools for growth and success in their career! 
• IACP's Medication Manager course has over 3,131 certifications! IACP’s online Medication Manager course, approved by DIAL, provides the necessary tools to effectively and safely administer medications. This training was designed to align with the procedures and best practices as defined by DIA & DHS and tailored for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
• IACP members currently hold over 10,000 learner seats with Relias Learning Management System. As a valued benefit of IACP membership, we’ve partnered with Relias to provide a cost-effective solution for your organization’s training needs. Relias Learning is an online learning management system offering an extensive range of training courses tailored to the needs of human services professionals.
5. Awards Celebrations: We proudly honored the outstanding contributions of our Direct Support Professionals, Peer Support Specialists, and Frontline Supervisor Award Winners, whose essential roles were recognized for their extraordinary service in human services, setting the bar for excellence in our communities. 
6. Future Forward Summit: Attendees heard from national thought leaders as they revealed emerging trends, proposed innovative strategies and offered insights into what’s on the horizon for the industry. The summit challenged leaders to think beyond the present, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. 
7. Policy & Industry Updates Webinars: Regular webinars kept members informed with regulatory summaries, legislative changes, and the latest industry news—ensuring no one was left behind. 
8. Coterie Event: An exclusive, in-person networking opportunity with the IACP team, Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), Strategic Business Partners, and HHS leadership. Members engaged in meaningful discussions and collaborations to navigate the current landscape. 
9. Roundtables: We hosted focused discussions for Executive Directors, Chief  Financial Officers, and Human Resource professionals, where members connected with peers with similar roles and responsibilities to exchange ideas, share solutions, and tackle challenges in a collaborative environment. 
10. MCO Connections: Our virtual webinars provided direct access to MCO leadership, where members resolved claims payment, eligibility issues, and more—live and in real time. 
11. Inside Scoop:  Our members were the first to learn about ARPA grant opportunities, allowing them to stay ahead with projections for ARPA funding throughout the year. This gave them a significant competitive edge. Additionally, IACP members were kept keen on Administrative Rules, changes in interpretations, and service expansion opportunities, ensuring they remained at the forefront of developments in the field.