John L. Thoma 
Chief Executive Officer Hospice of Wake County, Inc.
Raleigh, NC

John Thoma's Biographical Profile 
John Thoma's responses to Candidate Questionnaire 
John Thoma's Interview Responses

Campaign Statement

I appreciate the opportunity to have served a partial term in the past 18 months as the Geographic Area Director for the Southeast.  I am honored to be nominated for a new full term.  As hospice leaders we have our work cut out for us – to improve end of life care and to participate in reforming the healthcare system.   NHPCO is the national organization that is best positioned to advocate for hospices and empower hospice providers to build capacity for growth, improvement and resiliency.  NHPCO member hospices in the Southeast represent the growth and innovation necessary to influence change at the national and regional level.

I am seeking the Geographic Area Director seat to support the mission and strategic goals of NHPCO and to represent Southeast provider member strengths, contributions to the industry, challenges and concerns.  Medicaid Hospice, managed care for the dually-eligible, nursing home regulations and medical homes are unique in each state and require that we work collaboratively with NHPCO and state organizations to remove barriers to access and prevent financial disincentives to refer to hospice.  Regional edits and audits are becoming huge burdens and distractions for member providers.  I want to collaborate with the NHPCO Board, staff and state organizations to support providers through this time of intense oversight, work beyond the distractions and focus on our mission and core values toward a broader vision for end of life care.

I am honored to be nominated for this position, and I will strive to represent you and your programs as an advocate for the needs of members.  I look forward to working with you to establish hospice and palliative care providers as the proven experts in end of life care.