Senior living groups are supporting two bills they say would help address Pennsylvania’s long-term care workforce challenges.
SB 114 and SB 115 address pathways to long-term care certification and the availability of employee training courses.
LeadingAge Pennsylvania said the bills have their origins through its LTSS Evolve initiative, launched in 2023 to identify and change “antiquated, redundant and burdensome long-term services and supports rules, regulation policies and guidance” through collaboration with state policymakers and other stakeholders. The organization saw the initiative as a way to proactively advocate for providers rather than react to proposed legislation.
SB 115 is a step toward addressing the workforce challenges facing assisted living and personal care homes across the commonwealth, according to the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association.
The bill amends the state Department of Human Services code to allow individuals seeking employment as direct care staff members in such communities to demonstrate competency through a skills-based exam in lieu of a high school diploma or general educational development test. The exam would assess interpersonal communication, basic literacy, cultural awareness and understanding of mental and behavioral health needs.
“This legislation opens doors to an untapped pool of individuals by offering meaningful career opportunities in senior living while maintaining a focus on resident safety and quality care,” PALA Executive Director Susan Saxinger told McKnight’s Senior Living. “It represents a commonsense solution to workforce shortages and expands access for jobseekers who may not have been eligible for these roles under current regulations.”
LeadingAge Pennsylvania similarly said that it “strongly” supports SB 115 as well as SB 114.
“These bills address specific barriers to allowing more qualified, caring individuals to enter the long-term care workforce,” LeadingAge Marketing and Communications Senior Director Katie Andreano told McKnight’s Senior Living.
The Pennsylvania Health Care Association said that SB 115 is a summation of many of the workforce development issues its assisted living and personal care members have brought to the organization. PHCA President and CEO Zach Schaumburg told McKnight’s Senior Living that he is advocating for the bill “so that we can continue to break down barriers to entry for prospective senior living caregivers.”
Source: McKnights Seniorliving
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