Altoona Times

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a bill introduced by Sen. Judy Ward and Sen. Maria Collett that aims to improve the availability and quality of service at long-term care facilities in the state. Senate Bill 668, sponsored by Ward and Collett, seeks to address the workforce shortage in long-term care facilities and provide career advancement opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Sen. Ward, a Republican representing the 30th Senate District, expressed her optimism about the bill's passage, stating, "Senate Bill 668 is a win for everyone involved. By creating the position of certified medication aide, long-term care facilities can effectively recruit aspiring healthcare professionals by providing additional career advancement opportunities and can provide more of the life-affirming care their residents deserve."

Sen. Collett, a Democrat representing the 12th Senate District, highlighted the importance of empowering the dedicated workers in long-term care facilities, saying, "While we continue efforts to address healthcare staffing gaps, it's critical that the dedicated workers we do have are empowered to provide the highest level of care they can. Senate Bill 668 will allow career development opportunities for our certified nursing aides while bolstering the quality and availability of the care team throughout all of our long-term care settings."

The bill, which now moves to the House for consideration, aims to address the workforce shortage in Pennsylvania's nursing homes. The shortage, which existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been exacerbated in recent years due to healthcare professionals leaving the field due to burnout.

If passed, Senate Bill 668 would enable certified nurse aides (CNAs) to train to become certified medication aides (CMAs) and administer common, minimally invasive prescribed medications to residents of nursing facilities. Currently, only registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are authorized to administer medications to nursing home residents.

Under the proposed legislation, CNAs would be able to complete a certified medication administration program established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program would consist of a minimum of 40 hours of classroom and clinical training. CNAs who successfully complete the program would be registered as CMAs and authorized to administer certain prescribed medications in healthcare facilities. The certification would require renewal every two years.

The passage of Senate Bill 668 in the Senate is a step forward in addressing the workforce shortage and improving the quality of care in long-term care facilities. The bill's sponsors are hopeful that it will be considered and passed in the House soon.

Residents of Pennsylvania can stay updated on Sen. Ward's legislative news and the 30th Senate District by following her on Facebook and Twitter. More information and contact details can be found on her website SenatorJudyWard.com.

Similarly, residents can follow Sen. Collett on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, for the latest news from the 12th Senate District and Harrisburg. Contact information and further details can be accessed on her website SenatorCollett.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Nathan Akers at 717-787-2421. For additional information, contact Bailey Landis at 215-688-0493.

Click this link to access more information: https://senatorjudyward.com/2023/11/14/senate-approves-ward-and-collett-bill-to-enable-better-service-in-long-term-care-facilities/