Long-term care providers are hoping that the U.S. Senate will
pass a new bill aimed at enhancing recruitment and retention of direct care
workers in the long-term care field.
The Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008 would provide
a number of incentives to attract healthcare workers to the long-term care
field. Among them: loan repayment programs for physicians,
psychologists, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, nurse
practitioners and social workers who agree to work for two years in a long-term
care setting. The bill also would expand the Career Ladder Grants Program to include
specialty training in long-term care fields. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
introduced the bill earlier this month.
The American Health Care Association and National Center
for Assisted Living have offered their support to help pass the legislation.