HARRISBURG, MAY 22, 2007 -- With Pennsylvania facing a chronic shortage of nurses and other health providers, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione has introduced legislation that would formally create a state office to find solutions. “The shortage of health professionals is a problem with tentacles that reach into many areas of our healthcare system,” Tartaglione said. “If we do more to train and retain these workers, we can cut costs and medical errors while boosting patient satisfaction.” Tartaglione’s legislation would create “The Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers” within the state’s Department of Labor. The center will focus on increasing the capacity of nursing education, retaining healthcare workers, increasing diversity and training new critical care workers.” The idea is part of Gov. Ed Rendell’sl statewide “Workforce Investment Board” initiative. Tartaglione’s legislation would make the office a permanent part of the department, rather than just a gubernatorial policy priority. “This is a chronic problem and it requires a permanent solution,” Tartaglione said. “The Department of Labor exists to identify and resolve problems for both workers and companies. The shortage of health professionals is certainly a problem that takes a toll on both.” Started just over three years ago, the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers has published a supply/demand report for nurses, predicting a shortage of 16,000 RNs in Pennsylvania within three years, and a 4,100 shortfall of LPNs during the same period. The center has also developed a series of initiatives to increase the number of nursing students in Pennsylvania and the initiatives have attracted a $40 million investment from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. “The center has taken solid steps toward quantifying and mapping the shortage of healthcare professionals,” Tartaglione said. “My bill would make sure they can continue that work. Tartaglione is the Democratic Chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. For more information visit: www.pasenate.com/tartaglione. |
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