Statement: Nurses Shortage Continues to Impact Critical Home-Based Care and Services

Harrisburg (November 21, 2023) – Mia Haney, Interim CEO of the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, issued the following statement in response to Governor Shapiro’s continued commitment to addressing the shortage of nurses in Pennsylvania.

We commend Gov. Shapiro for his focus on removing barriers and cutting red tape to attract more qualified nurses to the commonwealth who are equipped to serve individuals throughout the entire continuum of care. Pennsylvania ranks fifth of the states with the highest unemployment level in registered nurses. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data shows that by 2035 an additional 51,220 long-term services and supports nurses will be needed in Pennsylvania – with a total of 980,220 nurses needed nationwide – that’s a 43% increase in demand.

Home health care nurses play an essential role in the health care continuum by providing one-on-one care to patients from the safety and comfort of their own homes. These nurses are key to the independence of children with complex medical needs, adults with disabilities or chronic health conditions, and older adults who require acute medical care as they age. They are also vital to the recovery of those who require episodic care after surgery, an injury, or an accident.

Without this critical level of care, patients must remain in hospitals and health care facilities longer, which costs roughly 50 percent more than care administered by a home-health aide, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Study.

Data overwhelmingly shows that care in an in-home setting is more cost effective and provides better health outcomes than care delivered in a long-term care setting, such as a nursing home. Nurses play a critical role in ensuring that the complex health needs of a patient can be appropriately met in their home alleviating the overwhelming burden on the hospital system.

We are committed to working with the administration and general assembly to address the shortage of nurses so that care can be streamlined and improved across the entire health care continuum.

About PHA… The Pennsylvania Homecare Association is a statewide organization of nearly 700 home health, homecare and hospice providers. PHA members provide quality care and serve as advocates for their patients and clients on a variety of healthcare issues. PHA and its members work to improve professional standards and ensure access to quality homecare throughout the Commonwealth. To learn more, visit www.pahomecare.org.