HARRISBURG – Two bills sponsored by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) to update training procedures and remove employment barriers so more people can join the long-term care workforce were approved by the Senate Education Committee today.
“Too many of our families, including mine, have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent into a long-term care center,” Argall said. “The professionals who make sure they are cared for and respected have an extremely important job yet are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages. These bills are essential.”
The number of Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older is expected to double by the year 2040. Despite the sharp increase in this population, labor statistics revealed that from 2019 to 2022, Pennsylvania saw a 14% decrease in long-term care professionals.
Senate Bill 1102 would expand both the availability of long-term care training courses for nurse aides and the eligibility for individuals to take the nurse aide competency exam. Industry professionals strongly support these changes, noting that they would remove barriers for those seeking employment at long-term care centers while still ensuring employees are well-qualified.
Senate Bill 1104 would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two credits toward their graduation requirement for employment in a long-term nursing care facility, a personal care home, or an assisted living residence. This would allow these students to enter the workforce more quickly.
Both bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Jim Brugger