Aging Organizations Encourage Congress to Establish Nursing Home “Strike Teams” and Provide Funding for Testing, Hazard Pay
The Leadership Council on Aging Organizations (LCAO)—a coalition of 69 national, non-profit organizations (including AMDA) concerned with the well-being of America’s older population—sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to take swift action to pass COVID-19 relief legislation that protects the well-being of older Americans.
In relation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the letter urged Congress to include strike teams to help with residents diagnosed with COVID-19. The strike teams would be there to bolster workplace safety, infection control, staff and resident inspections, and measures to ensure an adequate supply of personal protective equipment for staff and residents. The Society has likewise advocated that legislation include specific language requiring experts in post-acute and long-term care medicine, including certified medical directors, to be part of the team.
The letter also called for Congress to establish hazard pay as well as additional funding for testing of staff and residents in facilities.
LCAO also discussed a variety of topics including Flexible Spending Account, paid family leave, and employer-based health coverage.
Congress remains at a deadlock over the next stimulus package as both the House and Senate have their own versions of the legislation. Recently, talks broke down leading to executive orders issued by President Trump. However, talks are still ongoing to put a package together.