PRINTER'S NO. 3737
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
864
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY NELSON, MAY 12, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGING AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES,
MAY 12, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Establishing a select subcommittee on COVID-19 in long-term care
facilities to investigate, review and make recommendations
concerning the response to COVID-19 in long-term care
facilities in this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, As of May 4, 2020, the Department of Health has
reported that 66% of deaths in this Commonwealth related to the
novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, have occurred in
long-term care facilities; and
WHEREAS, Long-term care facilities include nursing
facilities, personal care homes, assisted living residences and
hospice care; and
WHEREAS, It should be a priority of the General Assembly to
examine and review the response to COVID-19 in all long-term
care facilities in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, It is important that the Commonwealth help
facilitate a safe living environment for older adults in all
circumstances, especially in the event of an emergency;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee
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of the House of Representatives be authorized and directed to
establish a select subcommittee on COVID-19 in long-term care
facilities; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the select subcommittee be authorized and
empowered to do the following:
(1) Investigate, review and make findings and
recommendations regarding:
(i) The reporting requirements imposed on long-term
care facilities by the departments which license the
long-term care facilities.
(ii) Whether the mitigation efforts implemented
pursuant to orders issued by the Governor or Secretary of
Health in the long-term care facilities were effective.
(iii) The impact of the suspension of regulations
and policies by the Department of Health and Department
of Human Services during the COVID-19 crisis.
(iv) The unique challenges residents of long-term
care facilities have faced during the COVID-19 crisis.
(v) The cause of the rapid spread of COVID-19 among
residents in long-term care facilities.
(vi) The contribution of COVID-19 to the cause of
deaths in long-term care facilities.
(vii) the Department of Health's response to
distributing personal protective equipment and other
crucial supplies to combat COVID-19.
(2) Review the best practices of other states and
methods for mitigating COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.
(3) Develop recommendations which:
(i) Are designed to protect residents and staff in
long-term care facilities.
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(ii) Facilitate cost-effective use of Federal and
State funding.
(iii) Promote transparency and simplicity to aid in
the collection and distribution of information related to
infectious diseases in long-term care facilities;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the select subcommittee consist of five
members of the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee of the
House of Representatives, with three members appointed by the
chairperson of the committee and two members appointed by the
minority chairperson of the committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the chairperson and minority chairperson of
the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee of the House of
Representatives be ex officio members of the select
subcommittee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the chairperson of the Aging and Older Adult
Services Committee of the House of Representatives shall appoint
the chairperson of the select subcommittee from among the
members of the select subcommittee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the select subcommittee hold hearings, call
witnesses, take testimony and make investigations at places as
it deems necessary within this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the chairperson of the select subcommittee be
authorized and empowered to:
(1) Send for persons and papers and subpoena witnesses,
documents and other materials under the hand and seal of the
chairperson.
(2) Administer oaths to witnesses.
(3) Take testimony.
(4) Prepare and file pleadings and other legal
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documents;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a sergeant-at-arms or a deputy shall serve the
process of the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee and
select subcommittee and execute their orders. The Aging and
Older Adult Services Committee and the select subcommittee are
authorized to sit during the sessions of the House of
Representatives. The expenses of the investigation shall be paid
by the Chief Clerk from Appropriation Accounts under the Chief
Clerk's exclusive control and jurisdiction, upon a written
request approved by the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives or the
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee
of the House of Representatives assist the select subcommittee
to the fullest extent possible; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the select subcommittee submit a report of its
findings together with its recommendations for appropriate
legislation or other action to the Aging and Older Adult
Services Committee at the earliest practicable date.
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