Jan. 26, 2022
Legislation allocates $225 million for recruitment and retention at hospitals, behavioral health facilities and nursing student loan forgiveness
HARRISBURG—Reps. Chris Quinn (R-Delaware) and Craig Williams (R-Chester and Delaware) joined their colleagues to support a bi-partisan initiative appropriating $225 million in federal pandemic relief funds to support health care workers and facilities for the recruitment and retention of caregivers.
“The sacrifices our health care workers have made throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic are nothing short of heroic,” Quinn said. “This appropriation of federal relief funds is in recognition of their efforts and the fact that they desperately need help.”
“Our health care workers have been tested and strained to the limit these last two years,” said Williams. “These funds are a tangible sign of our respect for their work and commitment to alleviating the suffering and promoting the recovery of those who have fallen ill.”
House Bill 253 is the first part of a two-bill package which includes $210 million for recruitment and retention payments for nurses, caregivers and other employees involved in direct patient care activities, environmental services or clinical care services at hospitals and behavioral health care providers.
Specifically, $100 million is directed to all hospitals while $110 million will be allocated to critical access hospitals, high Medicaid-use facilities and behavioral health providers. Another $15 million in funding was appropriated for the nurse student loan forgiveness through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
Hospitals and behavioral health facilities in Delaware County will receive more than $7.5 million. Chester County hospitals and facilities will receive almost $5.1 million.
Quinn and Williams were co-sponsors of House Bill 253.
The second part of the two-bill package will provide $25 million in funding to fire and emergency medical services providers. That measure is expected to be considered early next month.
Representative Chris Quinn
168th District
Representative Craig Williams
160th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: John Kelemen
215.459.2800
jkelemen@pahousegop.com
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