Seven current pieces of legislation are aimed at revitalizing the frontline workforce in healthcare, and legislators discussed them Tuesday at a House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing.
“We’re considering seven bills, five of which are bipartisan, focused on supporting current caregivers as well as rebuilding the pipeline of future workers,” Anna G. Esho (D-CA), subcommittee chair, said in an opening statement.
Collectively, the legislation “would foster a robust public health workforce and provide support to those who have fought on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, said in opening remarks. “The pandemic has stressed our healthcare system, with many healthcare workers suffering from fatigue and burnout. Unfortunately, some workers are leaving the workforce entirely,” he added.
Three of the bills would set up loan repayment programs for the healthcare workforce that would directly reward future workers for their important contributions.
Also, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act and the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act “recognize that current caregivers need stronger support to help them weather their physically and emotionally draining work,” Eshoo said.
The other two bills being considered would reauthorize grants and fellowship programs for clinicians in medically underserved communities and volunteers for community health centers.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living said that it supports two of the bills, H.R. 331, also known as the Nurses Certification and Recognition of Experience (Nurses CARE) Act, and H.R. 5602, known as the Bolstering Infectious Outbreaks (BIO) Preparedness Workforce Act of 2021.
“Our elderly population is growing rapidly, and we must be prepared to meet the increased demand for long-term care services,” NHCA / NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson said. “Establishing a strong workforce is an essential component of this process.”
Parkinson said AHCA / NCAL would work with lawmakers on “legislation that will ensure all caregivers are supported, so that seniors have access to a robust, quality long-term care system.”
