SB 383, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Office Of Workforce Strategy Related To Higher Education

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Thursday, March 5, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 383, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Office Of Workforce Strategy Related To Higher Education.  CHA supports the intent of this bill and offers the following considerations to further strengthen and align workforce development efforts.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity, providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

A hospital’s workforce is its greatest asset, and investing in the next generation of caregivers is essential to sustaining high-quality, accessible care across our state.  CHA appreciates the bill’s initial focus on strengthening training and certification for individuals preparing to serve Connecticut’s most vulnerable populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those with physical disabilities or behavioral health needs, and older adults.

Connecticut hospitals are actively advancing strategies to strengthen workforce resilience, recruitment, and retention.  These efforts include reviewing financial incentives, creating clear pathways for career advancement, and supporting continuing education.  Hospitals are also partnering with colleges and technical schools to align curriculum and training with evolving healthcare needs, while expanding clinical placement opportunities to support hands-on learning and workforce readiness.

SB 383, in its current draft, is about building a data-driven foundation to grow a sustainable human services workforce for the future.  CHA supports this approach and the opportunity to assess workforce shortages, training capacity, and barriers to entry; an essential step in meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals across the state.

As the committee and General Assembly consider additional ways to strengthen the healthcare workforce, CHA respectfully offers the following considerations for workforce priorities:

  • Support alignment with the recommendations outlined in the state comptroller’s 2026 Healthcare Cabinet Report on workforce development
  • Expand loan repayment and financial incentive programs to reduce the financial burden on healthcare professionals, particularly those serving in high-need and underserved areas
  • Explore the development of virtual and hybrid training pathways, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, to expand access to certification programs such as nurse aide and EMT training
  • Invest in paid internships and work-based learning opportunities for students in healthcare-related postsecondary programs to strengthen early pipeline development
  • Provide dedicated funding to support workforce recruitment, retention, and training, including relief from reliance on contract labor and premium staffing costs
  • Support workplace violence prevention efforts and continue to strengthen protections for healthcare workers
  • Advance participation in interstate licensing compacts to improve workforce mobility and access to care

CHA looks forward to continued collaboration with the legislature, the Office of Workforce Strategy, and healthcare and education partners to ensure this work is aligned, actionable, and responsive to the needs of both the workforce and the communities we serve.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.