House Democrats Support Senate Effort to Provide Relief to Long-Term Care Facilities Impacted by COV
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted to concur with the Senate recommendation of Ought to Pass as Amended on HB 578 in a vote of 282-43. As amended, HB 578 establishes a committee to study the safety of residents and employees in long-term care facilities, clarifies cost controls in long-term care, and ensures facilities can be reimbursed from Medicaid for the costs of nurse training. HB 578 will next be enrolled with the Secretary of State’s office and then go to the governor’s desk, at which time he will have five days to act.
After the vote, Senator Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth) issued the following statements:
“Our long term care facilities have been suffering. Nearly 80% of New Hampshire’s fatalities have taken place in our nursing homes and long term care facilities,” stated Senator Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth). “The facilities face a workforce shortage as employees fear contracting COVID-19 upon their return to work. This uncertainty cannot go on. The health and safety of our long term care residents and the staff is of paramount importance. The time to act is now. I am grateful to my House colleagues for their concurrence today and the continued dedication of the Legislature to provide peace of mind, improved safety precautions for our most vulnerable residents and Medicaid reimbursements for the training of nurses.”
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