06/09/2022
State inter-agency task force seeks input from stakeholders about direct care workers
Last week, several key departments within the DeWine Administration issued announcements of the formation of an inter-agency task force on direct care workers. The release included a request for comments on five facets of workforce challenges:
- Rules, Regulations and Laws
- Education and Training Support
- Scope of Practice
- Employee Wellness and Social Supports
- Leverage Technology and Innovations
LeadingAge Ohio is drafting comments for the Administration which will include recommendations for targeted, time-limited campaigns to boost the number of certified STNAs and home health aides, as well as regulatory changes like modifying adult day ratios, and creating payment streams for technology investments that can offset workforce. Members are encouraged to submit comments separately or send them to Susan Wallace at swallace@leadingageohio.org for inclusion with LeadingAge Ohio’s comments.
The task force will include representatives from the following state agencies:
- Ohio Department of Medicaid
- Ohio Department of Aging
- Ohio Department of Health
- Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
- Ohio Department of Administrative Services
- Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Ohio Department of Veterans Services
- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
- Ohio Department of Higher Education
- Ohio Department of Education
- Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation
