Jan. 27, 2022
HARRISBURG – Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) this week joined her colleagues in the General Assembly in unanimously approving legislation to invest $225 million in federal funding for the recruitment and retention of state health care workers and nurse student loan forgiveness.
House Bill 253 has been approved by both the House and Senate and signed into law by the governor.
“Our health care workers have been stretched beyond their limits and are in need of any and all support they can get,” said Pennycuick. “This funding will help hospitals retain and attract more health care workers, as well as bring a new generation into the field of nursing through loan forgiveness opportunities.”
House Bill 253 directs $100 million in funding to be shared among acute care hospitals and $110 million to be shared among critical access hospitals, high Medicaid-use hospitals and behavioral health providers. Montgomery County will receive nearly $12.7 million for its hospitals.
“Pennsylvania has some of the most prestigious health care facilities in the country and a long reputation of delivering outstanding care to patients across the state,” said Pennycuick. “This funding will serve to support those who make that kind of care possible.”
The second part of the two-bill package will provide $25 million in funding to fire and emergency medical services providers. That measure is expected to be considered early next month.