Advocacy Correspondence: Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, HAP Support for Senate Bill 116

December 9, 2025

Members of the Senate Education Committee:

On behalf of more than 235 member hospitals statewide, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) writes to support Senate Bill 116 (Argall), which would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two credits toward their graduation requirements if that have worked in a congregate health care setting.

Pennsylvania hospitals continue to face persistent workforce shortages that directly affect access to care in every community throughout the commonwealth:

• 30% for certified registered nurse anesthetists
• 19% for registered nurses
• 19% for medical assistants
• 17% for nursing support staff

Rural hospitals report even higher average vacancy rates.

It is projected that through 2032, Pennsylvania will need 8,890 more registered nurses and 11,232 more nursing assistants each year to replace those leaving the workforce and meet increasing demand for care. Without a strong pipeline of new health care professionals, these shortages will worsen.

Senate Bill 116 is a practical and proactive step to build that workforce pipeline. By giving students early exposure to health care careers and recognizing the value of hands-on experience, the bill would help cultivate a future workforce that is prepared and motivated to enter health care. This strategy supports a robust long-term care workforce, which supports the entire continuum of care.

HAP respectfully urges the committee to vote yes on SB 116.

If you have any questions, please contact me or Sarah Lawver, HAP’s senior director, state advocacy.

Thank you,

Arielle Chortanoff
Vice President, State Advocacy

Download

Topics: State Advocacy, Workforce

Revision Date: 12/9/2025

Return to Previous Page