State Lawmakers Advance Bills to Support Health Care Workforce

Bills address nurse compact implementation, training programs, education

April 30, 2024

State senators advanced three bills this morning that support patient care and help build the pipeline for the next generation of caregivers.

In the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 1165, which addresses issues that have delayed Pennsylvania’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact and Medical Licensure Compact. The legislation joins House Bill 2200—which passed unanimously today in the House—to resolve long-standing issues associated with federal background checks.

This morning, the Senate Education Committee also advanced:

• Senate Bill 1102, which would expand the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Training program and allow student and graduate nurses to immediately take the Certified Nurse Aide exam after completing their education programs.
• Senate Bill 1104, which would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two credits toward their graduation requirements if they have worked in a congregate health care setting, including a hospital.

Prior to the meeting, HAP urged lawmakers to advance the bills as part of our effort to support the health care workforce at every stage of care.

“HAP has long advocated for ways to expand and enhance the health care workforce across the entire and interrelated continuum of care,” HAP noted in the letter to committee leaders. “Pennsylvania hospitals are working hard to implement a wide range of strategies to develop a new generation of health care professionals including partnerships with local schools and community groups, internal clinical training programs, apprenticeships, internships, and more.”

HAP continues to focus on efforts to #GrowPAHealth. For more information about our state advocacy, contact Heather Tyler, vice president, state legislative advocacy.