Complete Story
06/06/2022
Ohio Seeking Feedback to Help Tackle State's Shortage of Direct Care Providers
Public Urged to Share Feedback by June 17 for Multi-Agency Task Force
Direct care workers are the cornerstone of Ohio’s health care system. They help older adults, people with disabilities, and those with special healthcare needs remain connected to their communities and live as fully and independently as possible, with the safety, dignity, and respect they deserve. Due to the emotionally and physically demanding job duties, coupled with low wages and the perceived lack of advancement opportunities, Ohio continues to face a growing deficit of direct care workers. The volatility in this space impacts consumers’ access to care and the quality of care provided to those in need.
Direct care shortages stretch across the various provider types and program models. Recognizing these challenges, several state agencies are partnering with stakeholders to identify potential solutions for both the state as a whole and Ohio’s communities.
While much discussion has focused on competitive wages, the state would like to explore every possible option. A task force will meet over the next several months, with invited expert testimony and extensive opportunities for public comment (written and oral). Kicking discussions off prior to that, we are seeking written feedback on the following via https://forms.office.com/g/RxHWr6evbt.
- Rules, Regulations and Laws.
- Education and Training Support.
- Scope of Practice.
- Employee Wellness and Social Supports.
- Leverage Technology and Innovations.
Please provide any feedback by close of business on Friday, June 17. All the information gathered will be shared with the task force and the public. Please note that we welcome multiple submissions if you wish to address multiple topics.
If you have questions, please email Jonathon Field at Jonathon.Field@jfs.ohio.gov.
The task force will include representatives from the following departments:
- 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.
