AHA

About Us

The Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy (SHCA) is a not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to individuals interested in advocacy as well as patient representatives, guest relations professionals, physicians, nurses, social workers and others currently employed in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, home health agencies, long-term care facilities and other health-related organizations.

Bylaws are the policies through which the society's membership and organizational structures and functions are governed, and goals are determined.  Every person considering membership with SHCA should review this  important document.

What SHCA Can Do For You


As a member of SHCA, you are entitled to benefits that will not only enhance your job but also help you advance your career:

Resources: keeping you informed

  • A voice for advocacy for patient's rights, ethics, patient satisfaction/measurement, and customer service
  • 24-hour access to Society information through SHCA's official Web site www.shca-aha.org
  • A quarterly, electronic newsletter, Healthcare Consumer Advocacy
  • Continuing education opportunities, including the  SHCA Annual Meeting and Conference Access to AHA's Resource Center
  • Recognition through  APEx, the Society's professional achievement program
  • National networking opportunities
  • www.shca-aha.org your website for SHCA announcements, activities and resources, provides you with services such as bulletin boards, a searchable membership directory, member services and up-to-the-minute information and news.  We encourage you to make www.shca-aha.org your homepage to monitor health care news headlines and stay informed of SHCA news and activities (learn how).

Recognition: rewarding your contributions to your organization and the health care support field
SHCA members nominate colleagues, or qualify themselves, to earn accolades in recognition of accomplishments, commitment and service to their profession.  You or your peers may earn the prestigious Ruth Ravich Founders' Award .

Professional development opportunities: challenging you with leadership opportunities and an annual education conference

  • The SHCA Annual Conference is the only professional development conference designed for health care patient advocates.  As a member, you save money on the registration fees to the conference, where you meet with your peers on issues that challenge you and your professional capabilities.  You have countless opportunities to dialogue with leading experts and learn from SHCA professionals--a must-attend event.
  • As a dynamic and growing organization, the SHCA provides many leadership opportunities through working on various committees and groups.  Members who get involved in leadership positions report that they can immediately apply what they've learned on the committees to their own jobs.  To learn more about becoming involved in one of the committees, write to shca@aha.org

American Hospital Association affiliation: offering the nation's most credible source for health care resources, news and policies
Through its affiliation with the American Hospital Association (AHA), SHCA provides you with knowledgeable staff, reliable resources, and legislative representation that you can count on.  As a member, you'll have access to the vast collection of health care literature, referral services, literature searches, and document delivery services provided by the  AHA Resource Center .  Plus you can save up to 50% on all AHA products and publication available at the  AHA Online Store .  Because of affiliation with AHA, SHCA members also receive the online AHA information tool, AHA News Now.

Special offers: providing discounts on related services for SHCA members
We are constantly adding new benefits to SHCA membership, and are proud to offer you membership discount rates at Club Quarters hotels.  Club Quarters Hotels are designed for the business traveler and offer world-class availability and amenities at a competitive per night rate.  Call (212) 575-0006 for reservations or visit their Web site at www.clubquarters.com (password: aha).  When making reservations mention you are a member of the American Hospital Association to receive a discounted rate.  Members also receive special rates with Hertz Rent-a-Car.  Click here to access their web site.