The International Academy of Life Care Planners has announced an affilation with the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP), effective August 1, 2005.  

IALCP was established in 1996 as a professional membership association to serve the advanced practice educational needs of life care planners and to promote the application of Standards of Practice for life care planners in the field.  Having developed over the past nine years as a voice for life care planners within the health care delivery system and legal arena, the organization has members throughout the United States, Canada, England, Ireland and New Zealand.

"This joint venture offers a bright vision for the future for the members of IALCP," said Patricia McCollom, MS, RN, CRRN, CDMS, CCM, CLCP, the founder and CEO of IALCP.  "Organization goals and opportunities for collaboration are limitless, as we go forward together, to promote education excellence and quality practice."  

The affilation allows the IALCP, as an IARP Section, to maintain its identity, Standards of Practice, peer review protocol and liaisons with other organizations.  Additionally, the membership will have the advantages of IARP membership, including educational offerings, publications and governmental relations.  

We are excited about this new model of collaboration and joint effort.  Members of both organizations will benefit from the shared expertise and clear unity of groups with common goals to serve others. IARP particularly welcomes the nurse members of IALCP, whose rich history and contributions to the development of case management and life care planning will serve as a strong foundation for future growth and organization development.

IARP President Robert Taylor stated: "As rehabilitation professionals we have understanding of the need for creativity and collaboration.  Bringing IARP and IALCP together is an example of the application of our philosophy and abilities to promote our core beliefs in an innovative way."  

The IALCP will assume a not-for-profit status immediately, and activities are in place for an election of board members to be completed by December 2005.  Members who are interested in seeking election should forward their commitment to seek election and curriculum vitae to ialcp@aol.com.

The IALCP will continue its involvement with the Case Management Leadership Coalition (CMLC) and with its support of the Foundation for Life Care Planning Research.  McCollom will participate in a CMLC meeting on August 11 -12, 2005, in Las Vegas.  

It is also the plan of the existing Advisory Panel and McCollom's wish that IALCP continue to co-sponsor the International Conference on Life Care Planning.