AHCA pushes Senators to focus on nursing shortage in long-term care

In praising Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) for pushing the immigration reform legislation, the American Health Care Association also urged lawmakers to include measures to increase the supply of certified nursing aids. More than 52,000 CNAs are needed to fill the current demand for care, the association said, and up to 6.5 million workers will be needed by 2050 to care for seniors.

“We are very encouraged Senator Kennedy and other key Senate leaders are moving forward with an issue of great concern and importance,” said Charles H. Roadman, CEO of AHCA. “We urge them to include in any final legislation the specific need to boost America’s supply of long-term frontline caregivers.”

CNAs, according to the association, provide up to 80% of patient care in the long-term care arena.

AHCA and NCAL represent more than 10,000 non-profit and for-profit facilities.