State-level initiatives tackle language-based barriers to worker training, testing
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
May 20, 2024
Foreign-born workers account for 27% of the nation’s direct care workforce, but many states maintain strict, English-only testing and training requirements that can prevent some immigrants from entering...
Massachusetts officials reject groups’ call to keep mask mandate after PHE expires
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 10, 2023
Plans to drop a mask mandate in healthcare settings — including residential care facilities — next month are moving forward in Massachusetts, despite outcries from some health professionals and organizations...
Lifting of states of emergency effectively ends many pandemic regulations for some senior living providers
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Sep 22, 2022
The lifting of COVID-19 states of emergency in two states — and the rescission of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in one of the country’s largest cities — effectively ends many pandemic regulations affecting...
Assisted living providers’ continued staffing challenges compromise infection control efforts: report
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 21, 2024
Assisted living communities in New Jersey continue to face significant staffing challenges that compromise infection control effectiveness, according to a recently released report from Montgomery McCracken...
Dropping of mask mandates has benefits for residents, staff, employers, provider groups say
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 06, 2023
Senior living advocates in Oregon are greeting the state’s dropping of mask mandates in healthcare settings with relief, saying that it could lead to improved resident and staff satisfaction as well...
Temporary staffing agencies thrust more into crosshairs amid workforce crisis
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Feb 28, 2023
A bill recently introduced in Oregon would make temporary staffing agencies more transparent and affordable, senior living advocates say.
‘Job-killer’ bill would tie employers’ hands during states of emergency
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 28, 2022
A proposed California bill is being called a “job killer” for allowing employees to walk off the job — or not show up at all — if they feel unsafe at work during a state of emergency.
A long-term care advocacy organization is taking its partnership with the federal government to the next level in an effort to help keep workers safe.
Governor signs, vetoes pandemic-related legislation affecting senior living
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Oct 04, 2022
Several pieces of legislation affecting senior living operators recently were signed into law in California, whereas other bills tied to the industry were vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
$30 million loan repayment program aims to recruit, retain senior living workers in Hawaii
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Sep 12, 2023
A student loan repayment program is being launched in Hawaii to address the growing shortages of healthcare professionals in senior living and other settings across the islands.