Congressman Horsford Introduces Bill To Help End Nationwide Hospital Workforce Shortage

WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Health Providers Training Act of 2019 to address the nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals.

"Our country faces a growing aging population, a rise in chronic diseases, and increased behavioral health conditions -- all of which contribute to a substantial need for a dynamic healthcare workforce that can meet the demands of today and tomorrow,"said Congressman Horsford."My bill is an investment in programs that make education and training in the healthcare field accessible. The Health Providers Training Act would allow hospitals like Centennial Hills and Summerlin Hospital Medical Centers to create opportunities for Nevadans to learn the required skills to become a nurse, medical aide, home health aide, or a number of other much-needed health care positions."

The Health Providers Training Act grants hospitals eligibility for the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) Program to train Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and low-income individuals for positions in the healthcare field expected to be in high demand or experience a labor shortage. HPOG participants can obtain a higher education, training, and support services needed to secure jobs that pay well in the healthcare field, giving Nevadans the opportunity to reach financial security.

Congressman Horsford has co-sponsored multiple bills that expand workforce development in health care including the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, and Community Health Center and Primary Care Workforce Expansion Act.

Congressman Horsford previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Culinary Training Academy -- an organization dedicated to eliminating unemployment through workplace education and vocational training.