January 26, 2022
Pennsylvania lawmakers gave final approval today to a $225 million relief package to support the commonwealth’s health care workforce.
Governor Tom Wolf signed the bipartisan legislation this afternoon, delivering critical funding to help hospitals address severe staffing challenges that have only intensified during the latest pandemic surge.
In a statement, HAP President and CEO Andy Carter applauded the passage of the bipartisan legislation and thanked the General Assembly and Governor Tom Wolf for working together to support health care professionals on the front lines of the pandemic.
“After two years on the front lines, health care professionals are exhausted. Many are leaving their jobs due to burnout. There was an industry-wide health care staffing shortage before the pandemic, which has now become a crisis that threatens to affect patient care,” Carter said. “House Bill 253 will support health care professionals immediately and begin to address some long-term challenges of the staffing crisis. This investment in our health care heroes will help Pennsylvania’s health care system provide high-quality care now and in the future.”
The legislation includes:
During media briefings today, Governor Wolf and legislative leaders stressed the importance of passing the legislation quickly to help reduce the ongoing strain on Pennsylvania’s health care workforce. State officials said the funding could be available in the next 30 days.
HAP thanks the General Assembly and Governor Tom Wolf for supporting Pennsylvania’s health care workforce and for the bipartisan passage of House Bill 253.
For more information, contact Heather Tyler, HAP’s vice president, state legislative advocacy.
Tags: Workforce | State Advocacy | COVID-19
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