How Health Reform Will Affect the Health Care Workforce

The new law makes significant investments in the United States’ health care workforce.  As a result, all Americans will have access to quality health care providers in their communities. 

The new law increases funding for the National Health Service Corps.  This program provides financial support to encourage primary care providers to practice in underserved communities.

To further encourage primary care, the new law provides payment bonuses for primary care services under Medicare and Medicaid.

The law also improves grant and loan repayment programs in primary care, dentistry, pediatrics, nursing, and mental health.

Educational programs specializing in geriatric care will also be expanded in order to better care for America’s aging population.

In order to promote diversity in the health care workforce, the law invests in scholarships and loan repayment programs for minorities.

A national workforce commission will be created to monitor our nation’s health care workforce and plan for ways in which the workforce can best serve Americans.

Below are long-term care provisions that I sponsored in the health care law.

A provision to expand training in geriatrics, chronic care management, and long-term care for faculty members in health professions schools, and establish traineeships for individuals who are preparing for advanced education nursing degrees in geriatric nursing. 

A provision to establish advanced training opportunities, such as tuition support, for direct care workers who are already employed in long-term care facilities. 

A provision to establish the development of training programs for personal and home care aides, whom are currently not subject to any federal requirements related to training and education, with state requirements varying widely.