Texas Legislature Passes Bill That Includes Federal Funding to Support Long-Term Care Staffing Needs

October 19, 2021

For Immediate Release                                                                                                     CONTACT: Cara Gustafson   

        

                                                                           

Texas Legislature Passes Bill That Includes Federal Funding to Support Long-Term Care Staffing Needs
SB 8 authorizes the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help nursing facilities and assisted living facilities recruit and retain staff 

Austin, Texas — Late last evening, the Conference Committee Report for Senate Bill 8 (the ARPA Funds bill) was passed by both chambers unanimously. SB 8 included funding for the long-term care profession in Texas to address staffing shortages as nursing facilities continue to battle COVID-19. 

“This is such an important outcome for long-term care in Texas, and we are thankful to the Legislature for their support,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of THCA. “With all of the priorities the Legislature had to consider regarding how to spend these funds, we’re very appreciative they recognized caring for the elderly of Texas as a priority for inclusion.”

SB 8 as passed contains language under Section 33 – Health and Human Services Commission: Staffing Needs — 

  • $200,000,000 shall be used only for grants for nursing facilities; and
  • $178,300,000 shall be used only for grants for assisted living facilities, home health agencies, community attendants, and facilities that serve persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities or related conditions (ICF/IID).

“The bill will require HHSC to develop rules for distribution of these grant programs,” continued Warren. “While there is still more work to be done, this much needed investment will help the profession’s staffing efforts and for that we are very grateful.”

For questions or to set up an interview, please reach out to Cara Gustafson at (561) 797-8267 or cara@publicblueprint.com.

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