The plan: 

• Presents a comprehensive analysis of current and future workforce challenges impacting the healthcare sector; 

• Explores educational and training pathways to create a more diverse, equitable, and sustainable workforce; 

• Identifies strategies to improve patient care and alleviate the burden on our healthcare workforce; and 

• Recommends solutions, including new policies and programs, modifications to existing programs, and necessary changes to state statutes. 
  

Solutions address three broad categories, including education and training, recruitment and retention, and regulatory policy, including:

Education and training 

• Support faculty who teach healthcare professions through increased compensation and incentives; 

• Expand access to clinical training and hands-on experiences; 

• Break down barriers by funding wraparound services for students, including transportation and child care; and 

• Sustain and expand training programs for direct care professionals and certified nurse aides.
  

Recruitment and retention 

• Adopt Medicaid Expansion to support healthcare workers and fund workforce initiatives; 

• Increase rates for home and community-based services and behavioral health providers;  

• Continue and create grant funding for innovative programs and trainings to support employers; and 

• Ensure healthcare workers are able to navigate insurance benefits options.
  

Regulatory policy 

• Authorize Medicaid to pay for community-focused services, such as those provided by doulas and community health workers; 

• Support pathways to licensure for qualified internationally educated professionals; 

• Enter into multi-state licensing compacts, allowing professionals to practice in other participating states; and  

• Fund and grow healthcare workforce wellness programming to support retention.