2022 Legislative Update From Our Government Relations Department
Our Government Relations department works tirelessly to advocate for decisions made by legislatures at the federal, state, and local levels that benefit home healthcare patients, families, and employees. With the ever-changing landscape, it’s important to know what home healthcare can expect now and in the years to come.
What is happening currently?
“There are still a lot of federal dollars available, but they are quickly being spent,” said Bill Sczepanski, Vice President of Government Relations. “The question is how the landscape will be in 2023 for funding when those federal dollars are no longer available. There is a lot of speculation that there will be a slowing of the economy because of inflation which will contribute to lower dollar amounts collected in taxes…this can equate to less money available for state funding.”
Specifically, from the American Rescue Plan, states had access to one-time-use funds where they either have to use it or lose it, and a lot of these funds were spent on items outside of homecare and provider rate increases.
What has been a topic in the past and is it something that we are still discussing?
“It is no secret that the nursing and medical provider shortage has continued to worsen this year (2022) and will continue to be a trend as we navigate into 2023 and beyond,” said Sczepanski.
To combat the ongoing nursing shortage and better the lives of our valued patients, Team Select has implemented a variety of programs under an over-arching implemented solution: Tuition Assistance Programs and Continuing Education.
This program is comprised of three micro-programs, created with our patients and their families at the forefront.
- Career Assistance Program (CAP)
This program serves as a home care concierge, parent advocate, and source of support throughout a parent’s educational journey to becoming an LPN. Team Select is proud to offer this program to parents of medically complex individuals and provides family-centered support! View the CAP Landing Page to see if you or someone you know may qualify.
- New Graduate Tuition Reimbursement Program
Created for new graduates of Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Registered Nursing (RN) programs. Team Select is prepared to offer up to $5,250 in direct tuition reimbursement, per LPN or RN, per year of employment. Learn how you can get reimbursed for your schooling!
- Continuing Education Program
This educational program is created for LPNs and RNs who are seeking continued education with future, job-related coursework, or seeking to obtain tuition reimbursement for their recent diploma, certificate, or degree (after January 1, 2021).
Through these continued educational opportunities for home care clinicians, Team Select hopes to bridge a solution between the nursing shortage crisis and families in need.
These micro-programs were truly created to help patients receive care where they feel most safe and secure, at home.
What can we do?
There is no one solution.
“The good news is, and something we can all look forward to, is the coming together of multiple home care agencies to solve a serious problem,” said Sczepanski.
With the collaboration of home care agencies, with Team Select as the program pioneer, the Family CNA Programwas implemented in several new states including Arizona, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. This program is now in four states nationwide and soon to be in Indiana.
“This is a huge win for medically fragile families,” said Sczepanski.
Through the Family CNA Program, parents and legal guardians of medically fragile children can become a paid caregiver for their loved ones at no cost to them, or the state, and through our free caregiver training. This program used to not be an option for these families, leaving them struggling to find consistent home care and increasing risk of re-hospitalization due to lapse in care.
The Family CNA Program is a revolutionary contributor to not only improved compassionate care but freeing up RNs and LPNs in home care for higher acuity cases and allowing parents and loved ones to be a caregiver.
Learn more about the Family CNA Program today.
“I want to add that this is an election year for all of United States House of Representatives, 1/3 of United States Senators, some Governors across the nation, and most state and local offices this November. Please vote in both your state primary and general elections this year.”
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