The American Hospital Association in a letter to Congress called the challenges facing America’s health care workforce as the country enters the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency that demands immediate attention and “workable solutions.”
The letter details ways hospitals are supporting their workforce, discussed the pandemic’s toll on the behavioral health of health care workers and current workforce shortages, and offered policy solutions to Congress. Members of a congressional subcommittee and witnesses highlighted several AHA priorities, including issues surrounding the diversion of funds from the Provider Relief Fund; reports of anticompetitive behavior from travel nurse staffing agencies; telehealth issues; boosting support for nursing schools and faculty; and supporting the behavioral health of physicians, nurses and others so they can deliver safe and high quality care. Read more.
