Long-term care providers are hoping that the U.S. Senate willpass a new bill aimed at enhancing recruitment and retention of direct careworkers in the long-term care field. 

The Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008 would providea number of incentives to attract healthcare workers to the long-term carefield. Among them: loan repayment programs for physicians,psychologists, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, nursepractitioners and social workers who agree to work for two years in a long-termcare setting. The bill also would expand the Career Ladder Grants Program to includespecialty training in long-term care fields. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)introduced the bill earlier this month. 

The American Health Care Association and National Centerfor Assisted Living have offered their support to help pass the legislation.