On March 13, 2023, local officials participated in a tour of the Parkwood in the Pines nursing facility in Lufkin, Texas. State Representative Trent Ashby and former Angelina County commissioner Rocky Thigpen engaged with corporate representatives from Priority Management, the facility’s owner, and the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) during the visit. Their discussions centered around the challenges and opportunities within the health care sector, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Priority Management, which operates 29 health care facilities in Texas and several in Louisiana, emphasized its commitment to the community. Doug Boulware, managing partner at Priority Management, expressed gratitude to state and federal governments for their support during the pandemic. He remarked, “Had it not been for the state and federal governments, we would have closed.”
Focus on Patient Care and Community Involvement
Boulware highlighted the company’s mission to rehabilitate patients and send them back to their homes after extensive therapy. He noted that many families lack knowledge about nursing homes until they face the experience firsthand. Boulware also expressed his hope for Thigpen’s success in the upcoming election and offered assistance to constituents with inquiries about nursing homes.
During the tour, Ashby acknowledged the THCA, led by former state representative Travis Clardy, as a valuable resource for legislators. He praised their role in guiding discussions on funding and policy issues related to health care. “The health care industry does great work in providing knowledge on pieces of legislation,” Ashby stated.
Boulware praised Texas for effectively administering federal programs like Medicaid, which aims to help families manage the costs of elder care. He noted that although his company is based in Dallas, approximately 80% of its nursing homes serve rural markets, emphasizing their commitment to rural health care.
Regulatory Challenges and Personal Experiences
Boulware shared concerns regarding stringent state regulations, mentioning that Texas issues more “immediate jeopardy” citations than any other state. He provided an example involving Parkwood, which had previously earned a five-star rating but faced a reduction to one star due to an incident involving two residents. Despite following appropriate protocols, the facility was reported for “abuse,” highlighting the regulatory challenges faced by nursing homes.
Thigpen, who has personal ties to Parkwood, shared that both of his parents were approved for admittance before their passing. He commended the facility’s admission process, pointing out that many people invest more time in choosing a car than selecting a nursing home. Boulware underscored the importance of referrals in helping families make informed decisions.
In a recent engagement with health care executives, Boulware discussed labor shortages in the industry during a lunch with former President Donald Trump. He stated, “We have a shortage of health care professionals,” underscoring the urgent need for more workers in the sector.
Cameron Shepherd, THCA’s director of membership services and government relations, expressed hopes that the association can continue serving as a vital resource for officials unfamiliar with the health care industry. This tour provided an opportunity for local leaders to gain insights and strengthen connections within the health care sector, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of care available to residents.
