HARRISBURG — The state Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation Tuesday authored by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) to help address Pennsylvania’s long-term care workforce shortage.
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 bill, if approved by the House of Representatives and signed by the governor, would show students what a career in long-term care looks like, encouraging them to consider it as they prepare to enter the workforce.”
Health care 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.
This bill, which is part of a broader bipartisan package aimed at strengthening the long-term care workforce, now advances to the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 114 and Senate Bill 115, which are part of this package, were passed by the Senate last year and are awaiting action in the House of Representatives.
CONTACT: Seth Hubler