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Impacting senior living policy in PA and advocating for our members is at the heart of what we do here at LeadingAge PA. From advocating for sensible public policy to working toward compliance with new regulations in senior living, we all have the same goal: to better serve older adults in Pennsylvania.
Tell Your Story
We are always looking for effective ways to advocate on behalf of your needs, and the needs of those you serve. But, we need help with sharing your stories. We make it easy for you to advocate for the issues that are important to you. Just click on any of the links below to learn more about the campaign and take action! Contact your state representatives to play a part in helping Pennsylvania's seniors make their voices heard.
Tell Congress to Keep Temporary Nursing Assistant (TNA) Flexibilities
On June 6, CMS withdrew the flexibilities for temporary nurse aides (TNA) to work in long-term care facilities for longer than 120 days under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)- even if they received proper training and demonstrated the necessary competencies. Consequently, all training and certification requirements for TNAs to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) must now be completed by October 6, 2022. This deadline, which quickly approaches as states like Pennsylvania struggle to efficiently credential these vital workers due to a lack of test proctors, will further exacerbate a workforce crisis that existed well before the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are asking the LeadingAge PA membership to contact your U.S. Representative to cosponsor and help pass the Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act (H.R. 7744), legislation that would allow continuity of care for nursing home residents by extending flexibilities for temporary nursing assistants (TNAs) with proper training and competencies. If enacted, the Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act would extend TNA flexibility for 24 months following the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, enable TNAs to continue working in their current roles, and put their on-the-job experience and training toward the 75-hour federal CNA training requirement. Please add your voice to the many providers asking Congress to support these critical flexibilities that allow these direct care workers to provide services for older adults in need of long-term care.
Stop Efforts to Reinstate Venue Shopping
Prior to a 2003 rule prohibiting venue shopping in medical liability cases, Pennsylvania was in the midst of a medical liability crisis. Attorneys filed medical liability lawsuits in high verdict jurisdictions like Philadelphia in search of large payouts, even though these jurisdictions were not related to the case. As a result, liability premiums skyrocketed, limiting access to needed care and services.
Since the adoption of the 2003 rule, the number of cases filed in high verdict court systems has decreased significantly. However, there is an ongoing effort by trial attorneys to return to the pre-2003 venue practices, which could cause medical liability premiums for senior care providers to soar and further jeopardize access to long-term care. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has the power to enact a rule that would terminate protections against venue shopping without working with the General Assembly. However, there is a solution. State Representative Rob Kauffman has introduced House Bill 2660, a constitutional amendment that would protect the current venue rule.
Your State Senator and Representative need to hear from you. Click below to take action. To maximize the impact of our advocacy efforts, we encourage you to edit the template email provided by sharing your own personal thoughts and experience as to why protecting the current venue rule is critical to ensuring access to the care and services you provide.