Our mission is to advance the profession of patient and health care advocacy through collaborative leadership.

Interested in Exploring a Career as a Professional Independent Health Care Advocate?

We’ve compiled some resources to get you started!

The Benefits of Working Together

CHCAO is a coalition of Patient and Health Care Advocacy leaders who recognize the benefit of working together on common goals to advance the profession. By acknowledging each other’s strengths, sharing resources, and collaborating with a shared vision, the coalition will increase the visibility and availability of Patient and Health Care Advocates and improve the patient experience.

Coalition Update
CHCAO and GNA to Move Forward Independently
May 2026

The Coalition of Health Care Advocacy Organizations (CHCAO) and Greater National Advocates (GNA) have mutually agreed to move forward independently.

While GNA will no longer participate as a formal member of CHCAO, all organizations remain committed to advancing the patient advocacy profession and supporting patients, families, and advocates across the healthcare landscape.

CHCAO and GNA appreciate the collaboration and contributions shared over the years and look forward to continuing to serve the advocacy community through their respective missions and initiatives.

We wish one another continued success moving forward.

CHCAO Member Organizations

HealthAdvocate^X (HAdvX)

HealthAdvocateX is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that brings together health advocates, patients, caregivers, health providers, allied health businesses, communities, and educational representatives to promote health advocacy with the purpose of helping every person get the care they deserve.
HealthAdvocateX.org | info@HealthAdvocateX.org

National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)

The National Association of Healthcare Advocacy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Professional Organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes by promoting the profession of health care advocacy. NAHAC empowers its members with rigorous standards, educates advocates and patients with resources for quality care and patient safety, and collaborates with its members, patients, and families to promote advocacy and professional advocates.
NAHAC.com | contact@NAHAC.com

Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB)

The Patient Advocate Certification Board is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with the core mission to promote a standard of excellence in patient advocacy through credentialing and standard setting. Its vision is Board Certification for all patient and health care advocates. PACB acts in the public interest by granting the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential to qualified professionals who demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills and ability through examination and continuing education. PACB fosters professionalism in patient and health care advocacy by setting and enforcing education, examination, experience, ethics, and professional conduct requirements.
PACBoard.org | help@pacboard.org

Advance the Profession with Us

Join Us in Advancing Patient and Health Care Advocacy

Empower Change: Join the Coalition of Health Care Advocacy Organizations in our mission to advance patient and health care advocacy.

Your Impact: Every donation fuels vital programs, research, and the development of essential resources that support the growth and awareness of professional patient and health care advocacy.

Achievements & Aspirations: In 2023, we launched ‘The Critical Role of Patient And Health Care Advocates: A Special Report‘ and led a pivotal media campaign. With an Independent Track at the Healthcare Advocate Summit, we raised the bar for professional development. In 2024, we aim even higher, and your support is key!

Be Part of Our Journey: Your contribution to CHCAO is a powerful statement of support for patient and health care advocacy. We operate under The National Association of Healthcare Advocacy’s fiscal sponsorship, ensuring integrity and transparency.

Gratitude: Your support propels us forward. Together, let’s continue to innovate, create and lead in health care advocacy. Thank you for supporting CHCAO.

Organized by the Coalition of Health Care Advocacy Organizations
501(c)(3) Public Charity · EIN 01-0926225
info@chcao.org

Stay Informed

Would you like to be kept informed about how the Coalition is moving forward? Join our e-list today! You can also reach out to CHCAO member organizations for specific information about their particular services and offerings for the advocacy profession.