Bipartisan legislation introduced Thursday by Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Juan Ciscomani (R) supports additional funding for nursing programs at community colleges.
In a joint statement, Cherfilus-McCormick and Ciscomani noted that at least 25 members of Congress attended or graduated from a community college.
“These students should have the same opportunities and funding as their counterparts at a four-year university. This bill strengthens our nursing workforce while improving the programs offered by our community colleges,” said Ciscomani, a graduate of a community college.
The Grants for Resources in Occupational Workforce Training for Healthcare, or GROWTH, Act expands eligibility to the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention, or NEPQR, Pathway to Registered Nurse Program grants under the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration to include community colleges. HHS announced in August awards of $100 million to increase the nursing workforce through career pipelines, additional faculty and specific resources for sectors outside post-acute care.
The bill also would prioritize allocating up to 50% of total funds to community colleges or partnerships with community colleges. Currently, the large majority of those grants go to four-year institutions.
The nursing home sector could need an estimated 190,000 additional workers to help meet a federal staffing minimum proposal outlined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
“The national nursing shortage has hit health facilities hard and compromised access to quality care,” Cherfilus-McCormick said. “That is precisely why we must make it easier for community college students to pursue a successful career in nursing, without worrying about financial hurdles. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan GROWTH Act, which will bolster our healthcare system and address this critical workforce shortage.”
Co-sponsors of the bill are Reps. Maria Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and John James (R-MI). The legislation also is supported by the American Association of Community Colleges and Families USA.
