Lower Bucks Today

A bipartisan effort led by state Representatives Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester) and Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) has resulted in Governor Josh Shapiro signing House Bill 1853 into law today.

This new law, Act 75 of 2024, mandates annual meetings between the Department of Health’s nursing care field officers and staff from licensed nursing facilities to discuss survey results, patterns, trends, and best practices to improve quality care across the Commonwealth.

“Through yesterday’s action, we are helping to support a more transparent, effective relationship that helps to protect the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” Marcell said. “By fostering collaboration between the Department of Health and our nursing homes, we are supporting a more transparent, effective relationship that prioritizes the well-being of over 60,000 Pennsylvania residents.”

“To promote quality health, we must promote community collaboration for the care of our most vulnerable loved ones and neighbors,” said Tim Ward, director of Advocacy and Government Relations for the Pennsylvania Health Care Association. “House Bill 1853 is now law thanks to the leadership of Reps. Kristin Marcell and Melissa Shusterman. With this law, newly required collaboration between nursing home providers and state surveyors will help us forge a better partnership to enhance care outcomes. It takes a community to care for our state’s elderly and adults with disabilities –– and that community extends beyond the walls of a nursing facility.”

With the enactment of Act 75 of 2024, Pennsylvania reaffirms its commitment to improving the quality of care in nursing homes and ensuring the health and safety of its senior residents.

Representative Kristin Marcell

178th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Will Patterson

267-688-2590

wpatterson@pahousegop.com

RepMarcell.com / Facebook.com/RepMarcell