With Congress headed to August recess breaks, providers were hopeful lawmakers would still find the time and interest to act on a flurry of workforce bills before the session ends.
Among sought-after measures is the Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act, which would extend a COVID-era temporary nurse aide program for 24 months after the public health emergency’s end. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had waived certain rules to allow aides to work without passing the Certified Nurse Aide exam, but requirements go back into effect Oct. 6. The bill gained more cosponsors in late spring and has the backing of major provider groups.
House members in June also introduced three immigration-related bills that could clear the way for the hiring of additional healthcare staff, as well as offer some grant support for training and hasten the time to license those trained in other nations.
From the July/August 2022 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
