HARRISBURG — Bipartisan legislation authored by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) to help address Pennsylvania’s long-term care workforce shortage was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives and is now almost law.
Senate Bill 116 would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credit by working or volunteering in licensed care settings that provide 24-hour care and supervision for the elderly.
“Too many of our families, including mine, have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent into a long-term care center,” Argall said. “The professionals who provide their care are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages. This legislation will give students an opportunity to explore careers in long-term care while helping address this growing need.”
Healthcare leaders and senior advocates strongly support this measure and note that Pennsylvania’s population over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040. Despite this sharp increase, labor statistics revealed that from 2019 to 2022, Pennsylvania saw a 14% decrease in long-term care professionals.
Senate Bill 116 is part of a broader bipartisan package aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s long-term care workforce. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature, the final step before it becomes law.