To the Editor,

As the President & CEO of the Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA), an association with 64-member nursing facilities representing 80% of the profession, I am writing to recognize the efforts of House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi during this past legislative session to support RI elders who reside in nursing homes and the dedicated staff who care for them.

In the State Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, Speaker Shekarchi supported a $30 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation to nursing homes for continued COVID-19 recovery.  While nursing homes are in a much better place clinically with regard to the pandemic, they continue to struggle with the resultant labor crisis that has impacted the health care sector and nursing homes in particular.  These monies will be used for workforce recovery and stabilization.

Speaker Shekarchi also supported a 3% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates to nursing homes in addition to a 1% labor add-on, he supported the first re-basing of the Medicaid rates paid to nursing homes since 2011, and he sponsored a bill to continue the delay in the implementation of staffing penalties.  Facilities simply cannot comply in the current workforce environment.  While several workforce recovery initiatives are under way, they will take time to have a meaningful effect.

RIHCA truly appreciates the actions taken by Speaker Shekarchi this past legislative session, and we look forward to continuing to work with him on the many challenges that RI nursing homes face.

John E. Gage, MBA, NHA

President & CEO