New coalition to advocate for policies to address health care workforce crisis

A new coalition, whose founding members include the AHA, will advocate for “common-sense solutions" to the severe staffing shortage plaguing the nation’s health care system. The Healthcare Workforce Coalition will advocate for policies to expand educational programs to prepare nurses, physicians and allied health professionals; retain the existing health care workforce; and attract foreign-trained clinical workers.

“Across the country, no community or sector has been spared the challenges brought about by this staffing crisis — particularly as the population ages and demand for health care services continues to rise,” the coalition said. “…There must be a concerted effort to reverse this concerning trend.” 

The coalition urged Congress to quickly pass bipartisan proposals to bolster and protect the health care workforce, including the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act and Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act.