Advocates and Health Care Workers Endorse “Nurses CARE Act”

Bipartisan legislation seeks to ensure continuity of care for vulnerable populations

 

Submitted Article

Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) announced today that leading advocacy groups and health care workers have endorsed the Nurses CARE Act, a bipartisan bill Keller introduced last week with Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA) to allow temporary nurse aides (TNAs) to retain their certification status after the COVID-19 emergency declaration has been lifted.

On their endorsement, Congressman Keller made the following statement:

The Nurses CARE Act strengthens our healthcare workforce and affirms our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us by providing temporary nurse aides a pathway to full-time employment post-pandemic. I am grateful to have the support of our front-line workers, healthcare facilities, and health associations as we work in concert to ensure the highest quality of care is continually available to those who need it most.”

Zach Shamberg, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association:

Since the temporary nurse aide position was formally approved in the Commonwealth, more than 4,000 Pennsylvanians have completed the training program, and many have been hired to assist long-term care providers in their response to COVID-19. This legislation not only recognizes the heroic and compassionate work these caregivers have performed since the pandemic began, but also puts them on a path to full-time employment as certified nurse aides. We are grateful to Congressman Keller for his leadership and commitment to our long-term care providers and healthcare heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania and throughout the country.”

Charlie Katebi – Health Policy Analyst, Americans for Prosperity:

Thanks to CMS’ emergency reforms, temporary nurse aides have provided patients invaluable support throughout this pandemic. The Nurses CARE Act ensures that TNA’s who delivered these essential services have the necessary certifications to continue to support their patients long after this national emergency is over.” 

Rhonda Riggle, RN – Administrator, ManorCare Health Services – Jersey Shore, A ProMedica facility:

The waiver for temporary nurse aids was a great resource for our facility during an outbreak and throughout this pandemic.  These staff members joined our teams, committing to take care of a very vulnerable population and accepting the known risks associated with the ongoing spread of the virus.  Their dedication has been a pivotal factor in assisting us to provide ongoing, patient-centered care for our residents.”

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