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Texas Legislature Passes Bill That Includes Federal Funding To Support Long-term Care Staffing Needs

Late last evening, the Conference Committee Report for Senate Bill 8 (the ARPA Funds bill) was passed by both chambers unanimously. SB 8 included funding for the long-term care profession in Texas to address staffing shortages as nursing facilities continue to battle COVID-19.

“This is such an important outcome for long-term care in Texas, and we are thankful to the Legislature for their support,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of THCA. “With all of the priorities the Legislature had to consider regarding how to spend these funds, we’re very appreciative they recognized caring for the elderly of Texas as a priority for inclusion.”

SB 8 as passed contains language under Section 33 - Health and Human Services Commission: Staffing Needs --

  • $200,000,000 shall be used only for grants for nursing facilities; and
  • $178,300,000 shall be used only for grants for assisted living facilities, home health agencies, community attendants, and facilities that serve persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities or related conditions (ICF/IID).

“The bill will require HHSC to develop rules for distribution of these grant programs,” continued Warren. “While there is still more work to be done, this much needed investment will help the profession’s staffing efforts and for that we are very grateful.”

For questions or to set up an interview, please reach out to Cara Gustafson at (561) 797-8267 or cara@publicblueprint.com.

About THCA
Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed nonprofit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents long term care businesses that provide products and services to more than 3,200 nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the state. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook or Twitter.

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