Statewide Coalition of Presidents of Resident Councils (SPCRC)

What is the SCPRC and What is the Executive Board?

The Statewide Coalition of Presidents of Resident Councils (SCPRC) is a resident-led organization made up of nursing home Resident Council Presidents across Connecticut. With support from the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Coalition works to empower more than 20,000 nursing home residents by promoting strong, informed resident councils and effective self-advocacy.

At the heart of this effort is the Steering Committee or Executive Board (E-Board)—a leadership committee of residents who work to ensure that the voices of individuals in long-term care are represented in policy discussions, legislative advocacy, and statewide initiatives.

“We are committed to being the voices of our peers—advocating for quality care, dignity, and rights for those living in skilled nursing facilities and those who have transitioned back to the community.”

Who Makes Up the Executive Board?

The SCPRC is comprised of two groups:

• Steering Committee / Executive Board: Up to 24 Resident Council Presidents, including 3 from each of the 8 Ombudsman regions, 3 of which can be individuals who have transitioned to the community within the past 12 months. Steering Committee members serve in leadership roles, help develop policy recommendations, and guide the Coalition’s direction.
  
  

• Coalition Members: Open to any interested individual currently residing in a Connecticut nursing home—or recently transitioned to the community—who supports the SCPRC mission. There is no limit to how many residents may join.

All members receive orientation and are encouraged to actively participate in Coalition efforts. Steering Committee members are expected to attend monthly meetings and are provided tablets by the LTCOP for use during their service.

When Does the SCPRC Meet?

• The Steering Committee meets monthly to set priorities and conduct official business.
  
  

• The full Coalition meets at least once per month to share updates, develop advocacy strategies, and prepare for statewide initiatives.
  
  

• Regional Coalition meetings are also held as needed and throughout the year to support local leadership and engagement.

Members are asked to commit to approximately 2 hours per month to attend meetings and provide input.

What Does the SCPRC Coalition Do?

The SCPRC and Executive Board collaborate closely with the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to:

• Advocate at the state and federal level for quality care and resident rights

• Support legislative and policy efforts impacting long-term care

• Co-develop and host the annual VOICES Forum, a statewide event bringing residents and legislators together

• Assist in the selection of the annual Carol Rosenwald “Spirit of Advocacy” Award and the Brian Capshaw “Rockstar” Award

• Contribute to the quarterly resident newsletter, offering updates on policy, profiles of members, and creative resident submissions

• Provide input and resident perspective to public policy, industry practice, and community engagement efforts

The SCPRC plans to continue these initiatives with the ongoing goal of opening and activating communication channels between nursing home resident councils and larger systems such as: community elderly services networks, state and local governments, and the nursing home industry.

How Are Members Chosen or Appointed?

Steering Committee members are selected based on their roles as Resident Council Presidents and may be recommended by Regional Ombudsman. Vacancies are filled through special elections, and members who step down from a facility leadership role may retain voting privileges as Emeritus Members for up to five years.

What are the E-Board By Laws?

Here are the most updated E-Board Bylaws.

Want to Get Involved?

If you are a nursing home resident—or have recently transitioned back to the community—and are passionate about resident advocacy, we want to hear from you!

To learn more or express interest in joining the Coalition or Steering Committee:

• Talk to your Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman

• Call 1-866-388-1888

• Email us at LTCOP@CT.GOV