LeadingAge Ohio provided proponent testimony March 3 before the Ohio House Workforce and Higher Education Committee in support of House Bill 530, legislation that would establish a Long-Term Care Workforce Study Commission.
During the hearing, LeadingAge Ohio Director of Public Policy Eli Faes emphasized that Ohio’s long-term care workforce shortage is a structural challenge affecting the entire continuum of aging services. Providers across the state continue to face significant staffing vacancies, particularly among nurse aides and home health and personal care aides — the latter remaining the most in-demand job in Ohio.
House Bill 530 would establish a commission bringing together legislators, direct care workers, providers, higher education leaders, consumers, and state agencies to examine the issue and develop recommendations. LeadingAge Ohio testified that this cross-sector approach is essential to addressing the unique workforce challenges facing long-term care providers.
LeadingAge Ohio expressed support for the legislation and indicated that its members stand ready to assist the commission by providing data and practical insight from providers serving older Ohioans across the state. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here.