The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on June 29th published a report that provides an overview of programs states have implemented to address or mitigate health care workforce shortages. NCSL serves state lawmakers through research, technical assistance, and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on pressing issues. The report – Leveraging Career Pathway Programs: State Strategies to Combat Health Care Workforce Shortages – describes programs across various stages of education, including K-12, community college, and undergraduate programs designed to prepare individuals for the next level of employment, certification or educational level. While focused on health care broadly, the report highlights a variety of initiatives relevant to the direct care workforce needs of aging services providers – such as career pathway programs designed to support certified nursing assistant and home care aides in becoming licensed practical nurses – which may be replicable in other states.
