AHA supports bill to extend training flexibility for SNF nurse aides

The American Hospital Association voiced support for the Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act (H.R. 7744). The bill would extend for two years after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends certain flexibilities for skilled nursing facilities to ensure they can continue to provide high-quality care to patients. The measure would allow nurse aides to stay in their roles beyond the required four months and for those additional hours to count towards the 75-hour state-approved training and competency evaluation programs. The extension would allow SNFs to retain their workforce, while also allowing nurse aides with the job experience needed to become certified nursing assistants. “At a time when health care providers are navigating the unprecedented financial challenges caused by workforce shortages and rising inflation, your legislation would help provide much needed stability and access to care,” the AHA wrote to bill sponsors Reps. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., and Madeleine Dean, D-Pa. (AHA letter, 11/9/22)