HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, is celebrating a major legislative victory with the passage of House Bill 1853, now Act 75 of 2024. The bill, designed to enhance communication and quality care in nursing facilities, was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on July 17.
A Collaborative Approach to Better Care
House Bill 1853 amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 by mandating the Department of Health’s nursing care field officers to hold annual meetings with staff from licensed nursing facilities. These meetings aim to discuss survey results, identify patterns and trends, and share best practices. The ultimate goal is to create a more unified and effective approach to senior care across Pennsylvania.
“I want to thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for their support of this legislation,” said Shusterman. “I will always support initiatives to improve the lives of seniors in our Commonwealth. By encouraging communication between the Department of Health and nursing home staff, we hope that the exchange of ideas and information between these two groups will lead to a unified effort to provide the best senior care possible. I’m proud to have this bill signed into law by Governor Shapiro.”
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Journey
Introduced by Rep. Shusterman and co-sponsored by Rep. Kristen Marcell (R-Bucks) in November 2023, the bill saw strong bipartisan support. It passed the House in April with a vote of 124-77 and cleared the Senate on July 11 with a vote of 47-2.
Tim Ward, director of advocacy and government relations for the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, praised the new law. “To promote quality health, we must promote community collaboration for the care of our most vulnerable loved ones and neighbors,” he said. “House Bill 1853 is now law thanks to the leadership of Reps. Melissa L. Shusterman and Kristin Marcell. With this law, newly required collaboration between nursing home providers and state surveyors will help us forge a better partnership to enhance care outcomes. It takes a community to care for our state’s elderly and adults with disabilities – and that community extends beyond the walls of a nursing facility.”
Improving Nursing Home Care
The passage of Act 75 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the growing need for better quality care in nursing homes, especially given the aging population in Pennsylvania. By fostering open communication and collaboration between the Department of Health and nursing home staff, the law aims to raise the standard of care.
Moreover, the regular meetings mandated by Act 75 will help identify issues early and implement solutions more swiftly, reducing the risk of widespread problems. This proactive approach is expected to improve patient outcomes and ensure that seniors receive the care they deserve.
Implications for the Future
The new law sets a precedent for other states considering similar measures. By demonstrating the benefits of enhanced collaboration and communication, Pennsylvania could lead the way in nursing home reform nationwide. The bipartisan support for the bill also shows that improving senior care is a shared priority, transcending political divides.
As Act 75 of 2024 takes effect, it will be crucial to monitor its implementation and outcomes. Success in Pennsylvania could inspire broader legislative efforts aimed at improving nursing home care across the country, ensuring that seniors everywhere receive the highest possible standard of care.
Pennsylvania’s commitment to better nursing home care, as evidenced by the passage of Act 75, marks a positive step towards a future where every senior lives with dignity and receives the quality care they deserve.
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