THCA Names Seasoned State Legislative Director as Director of Government Relations

November 13, 2014

Former Deuell Aide Brings Healthcare Issues Expertise to Long Term Care Legislative Agenda

(Austin, TX) – The Texas Health Care Association (THCA) announced today longtime legislative director to Texas State Senator Bob Deuell, M.D., Scot Kibbe, will lead the state association’s government relations division. Kibbe brings more than twenty years of experience working in the state legislature with a strong background in healthcare issues in addition to having managed communications and advocacy initiatives for the American Heart Association Texas Affiliate.

“Texas long term care providers will be served well by Scot as he brings a deep and broad understanding of issues impacting the skilled nursing community,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the THCA. “Scot’s leadership and expertise in healthcare policy, particularly Medicaid, will be a major asset as we prepare for the 84th legislative session in the coming months.”

Medicaid reimbursement for Texas skilled nursing facilities ranks 49th in the nation, a fact contributing to challenges in attracting and maintaining a stable workforce that is critical to improving and advancing quality care to Texas elderly.

“This is a challenging time in healthcare and providing quality care to Texas seniors must be a legislative priority in 2015,” said Kibbe. “I am looking forward to working on behalf of our vulnerable elderly and the long term care providers who care for them. I am happy to be a part of the THCA team and to once again collaborate with some familiar faces at the State Capitol.”

Kibbe served on State Senator Deuell’s staff for more than ten years, focusing on Senate Finance and Health and Human Services committee issues. From Medicaid to state insurance law and tort reform, Kibbe managed the Senator’s participation in passing legislation, holding bill hearings and conducting agency reviews. Prior to serving as Deuell’s legislative director, Kibbe held the same title in the office of Senator Drew Nixon. In between his legislative roles, Kibbe was the Public Advocacy Information Officer for the Texas affiliate of the American Heart Association.

Kibbe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas A&M University in 1990.