Nov. 26, 2019
HARRISBURG – With a continuous shortage of pediatric shift nurses in Pennsylvania, Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) introduced
House Resolution 501 to bring awareness of this crisis to fellow House members as well as residents of the Commonwealth. Brown announced that the House unanimously adopted her resolution.
“This shortage is part of an ongoing crisis here in Pennsylvania where patients, especially young patients, struggle to receive the medical assistance that they desperately need,” said Brown. “Not only do pediatric shift nurses allow for children to receive medical care in their own homes, but it provides peace of mind to their families that their child’s needs are being met.”
Pennsylvania is one of the few states where medical assistance is available to virtually all children with significant disabilities or medical needs. Unfortunately, there is a severe shortage of pediatric shift nurses available to provide this incredibly important service in Pennsylvania, and many families struggle to find care, leaving them to choose between earning a living or the health care of their child.
Caring for a child with complex medical needs is a great challenge to the parents and families who need and deserve to have supports in place, which is why pediatric shift nursing is designed to offer the highest quality care to children, while easing the burden on parents and other family members.
Brown continued, “In bringing awareness of this shortage to the House, it is my hope that we will be able to work with the state departments to mend the shortage at hand and allow more families to be aided by this important service.”
The Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) has recognized the importance of this care in the lives of thousands of families throughout the Commonwealth by publishing a guide that outlines the process of bringing care into the family home for children. Those interested in obtaining a copy of The Care We Share: A Family Guide to In-Home Pediatric Care guide can call PHA at 1-800-382-1211, or contacting any of PHA’s homecare, home health and hospice provider members.
Representative Rosemary M. Brown
189th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abby Krueger
717.260.6617
akrueger@pahousegop.com
RepBrown.com /
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