The Senate Institutional and Sustainability Committee, led by Senator Frank Farry (R-6), recently advanced legislation intended to address ongoing nursing workforce shortages in Pennsylvania. The committee met last week and unanimously approved Senate Bill 998, which is sponsored by Senator Rosemary Brown.
Pennsylvania has been experiencing a shortage of nurses due to increased demand for health care services, changes in the workforce, and limited capacity in nursing education programs. Despite efforts from the health care sector to address these issues, shortages remain across various health professions.
Senate Bill 998 proposes the creation of a grant program specifically for accredited nursing programs. The aim is to assist these programs in recruiting and retaining faculty members, developing nurse preceptors, and expanding student programming and enrollment. Additionally, the funding could be used for faculty development initiatives and enhancing clinical training through strategic partnerships.
“This bill represents an important step toward strengthening our health care workforce,” said Farry. “By supporting our nursing education programs, we’re investing in the next generation of nurses who will provide quality care for our families and communities.”
