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AUSTIN, Texas – State lawmakers are looking at spending $ 16 billion in federal COVID aid funds.
What you need to know
- A Senate proposal to issue COVID relief funds does not fund long-term care facilities as nursing homes are grappling with a staffing crisis
- The Texas Health Care Association, a nursing home industry group, is asking the state for $ 400 million in federal coronavirus aid to help solve its workforce problems
- A recent survey shows that 70% of long-term care facilities are unable to recruit enough caregivers, and more than 30% have restricted new admissions due to staff shortages
A Senate proposal includes more than $ 7 billion to ensure businesses don’t face an increase in unemployment tax due to pandemic-related layoffs, $ 3 billion for hospital staff, purchases of therapeutic Drugs and regional infusion center support, approximately $ 500 million to expand broadband and $ 100 million to support the Texas Food Banks.
However, at least one group is already criticizing the plan not to fund long-term care facilities as nursing homes are grappling with a staffing crisis.
“It’s very disheartening,” said Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association, a nursing home industry group. “As a result, families will struggle to find a place for their loved ones when looking for a new place because a facility simply does not have the staff to take in additional patients?”
THCA is soliciting $ 400 million federal coronavirus aid from the state to help resolve the staffing problems.
According to a recent survey by THCA and Leading Age Texas, 70% of long-term care facilities said they were unable to recruit enough nurses and more than 30% have restricted new admissions due to staff shortages. Add to this the urgency that 40% of the state’s 100,000 nursing home workers are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and could be given a federal ultimatum later this month.
“If these employees decide to leave because they don’t want to be vaccinated, it only exacerbates an already critical situation,” said Warren.
Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Warren.
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