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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 16, 2022 09:00 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Judy Ward and Sen. Michele Brooks |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Personal Care Attendant Legislation |
| Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Pennsylvania’s nursing homes have used Temporary Nurse Aides (TNAs) to provide care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. TNAs were authorized by a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulatory waiver. As these facilities struggle to attract and retain workers, TNAs have become a critical component in maintaining the long-term care workforce pipeline. The position provides an entry-level career path for individuals interested in pursuing a nursing career. Recently, CMS announced that it plans to withdraw this regulatory waiver. This action will further exacerbate the workforce crisis affecting the long-term care sector. To assist these facilities in their effort to maintain their workforce, we are introducing legislation that would create the permanent position of personal care attendant (PCA) and outline the required training for these employees. This legislation is similar to a recently enacted Florida law. Under this legislation, personal care attendants must receive 16 hours of classroom training and eight hours of supervised simulation. The training course must be delivered under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse. To ensure the availability of this training in all regions of the Commonwealth, the bill will not require the licensed registered nurse to be on site when the training is delivered. They will still retain a supervisory role. Upon completion of the training, personal care attendants will work under the direct supervision of the facility’s licensed nursing staff. They will work with certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to provide care to residents. The PCA position will meet the minimum requirements outlined by federal regulations to serve as a CNA, and PCAs must transition to CNAs within 120 days of service in a nursing home. A PCA would be responsible for providing direct daily care for patients in conjunction with, and under the supervision of, a CNA. The duties of a PCA will include assisting with daily grooming and hygiene needs, providing meal and nutrition support and ensuring patient safety and adherence to infection control measures. This legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Health Care Association. Please join us in sponsoring this legislation, which will sustain the workforce pipeline for individuals seeking a career in nursing and long-term care. |