I couldn’t agree more with Garry Pezzano’s op-ed “Let’s continue to support long-term care in Pa.” (Aug. 24, TribLIVE), on the need to continue Pennsylvania’s efforts to strengthen its long-term care system for our most vulnerable citizens. The bipartisan efforts of our leaders in Harrisburg to include $600 million in the 2022-23 state budget to help with that mission is timely, as our communities continue to compete for talented and skilled workers — and battle the pandemic.
In light of testing capacity issues and the need for a viable workforce, the state should do everything they can to make sure temporary nurse aides (TNAs) can get certified to help alleviate staffing burdens. One way they can do so is to apply for a federal waiver to extend the Oct. 6 testing deadline. We also need lawmakers to give certified nursing assistants (CNAs) greater flexibility for training to advance in their careers.
Lawmakers and the public need to understand that the pandemic hasn’t gone away for those of us in the aging services field. We continue to devote considerable resources and funding to protecting our residents and staff.
Pennsylvania can ensure access to quality care and build the best senior care system in the nation, if lawmakers and providers continue to work together.
John R. Dickson IV
Greensburg