A bill introduced by a local legislator that would improve staffing at long-term care facilities is one step closer to becoming law.
State Representative Tim Bonner (R-Butler, Mercer) says House Bill 2293 would require Contract Health Care Service Agencies that provide temporary nursing workers in nursing homes, assisted living residences, and personal care homes to register with the PA Department of Health.
Bonner said he believes the pandemic has accelerated a workforce crisis in the area of long-term care as use of temporary nurse staffing agencies becomes more common. In order to register with the DOH, the agencies would have to provide important background information and prove that each nurse has the correct credentials.
Bonner’s bill will now advance to the state Senate for consideration and vote.
