Our History

In 1977, a group of home health providers banned together to create a volunteer organization to support and promote home health in Tennessee. The original group included seventy-seven regular members and two associate members, and was governed by a nine member board with an annual budget of $2,500.

In 1981, the organization was legally incorporated as a non-profit membership organization, The Tennessee Association for Home Health, Inc., whose membership then totaled ninety-eight regular members and three associate members. A part time lobbyist was retained by the Board to oversee legislative activities. Volunteer members provided staff support.

In 1984, the Association hired its first full time Executive Director and Lobbyist. The Association began to actively pursue legislative changes for the home health industry, and was successful in placing home health agencies back under Certificate of Need review; having a Governor-appointed Home Health Representative on the State Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities; having a Governor-appointed Home Health Representative on the State Health Facilities Commission; and a strong education effort for Tennessee lawmakers on the home health industry.

In 1988, the Association totally reorganized to provide representation to all facets of home care: Home Health Agencies (Medicare certified, private duty services, and hospice services); Home Medical Equipment Suppliers; Home Infusion Therapy suppliers; Home Care Support Companies and Interested Individuals.

A complete re-write of the Charter, Bylaws, and policies governing the Association were developed to provide Board and Committee representation of all types of home care providers/suppliers in Tennessee. The Association was renamed the "Tennessee Association for Home Care, Inc." to provide leadership on issues affecting the TOTAL picture of the Home Care Industry in Tennessee.

At the end of the first year under reorganization, the membership totaled two hundred ninety-eight (298) Home Care Members.

In 1994, the Association made history by merging with the State Home Medical Equipment Association, creating an even more unified voice for home care in Tennessee and continuing to operate as the Tennessee Association for Home Care, Inc.

In 1997, a regular membership category for hospice providers was added to formalize TAHC's commitment to this segment of home care.

Currently, the Association represents approximately 600 home care members statewide with a thirteen (13) member Board, three (3) full time staff positions, two contract lobbyists/attorneys, and numerous active Volunteer Groups.

In 1998, the Association founded the Tennessee Home Care Foundation to develop research promoting health care at home.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the Association owns its headquarters and continues to work toward A United Voice for Home Care.