Legislation introduced by Senator Dave Argall to bolster the long-term care workforce received bipartisan approval from the Senate. The measures aim to address workforce shortages affecting families and care centers.
Senate Bill 115, co-sponsored with Senator Michele Brooks, proposes that individuals without a high school diploma or GED can take a skills competency examination for certification as long-term care employees. This bill passed the Senate with a 47-3 vote and will proceed to the House of Representatives.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 114, was approved by the Senate Education Committee. It seeks to increase access to training courses for nurse aides and broaden eligibility for the nurse aide competency exam. This bill now moves to the full Senate after passing with a 7-4 vote.
Senior advocates endorse these legislative efforts, highlighting their potential to lower employment barriers while maintaining qualification standards in long-term care centers.
The demographic of Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older is projected to double by 2040. However, labor statistics indicate a 14% reduction in long-term care professionals from 2019 to 2022.
