SB 1228, An Act Concerning The State’s Health Care Workforce

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 1228, An Act Concerning The State’s Health Care Workforce. CHA supports the legislation.

Connecticut hospitals continue to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and are now facing new challenges of treating sicker patients than they saw before the pandemic, with a dedicated but smaller workforce who are exemplary but exhausted. They are also experiencing significant financial hardships brought on by record inflation. Through it all, hospitals have been steadfast, providing high-quality care for everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of ability to pay.

SB 1228 proposes to study the feasibility of creating an interdistrict magnet program to support student preparation for future careers in healthcare, address the need to educate more healthcare workers in in-demand areas, and make examinations for licensure, accreditation, and registration more accessible to non-English speakers.

Healthcare workers in Connecticut have been exceptional in responding to the pandemic and all of its impacts over the last three years. But it has taken a toll on them – adding more stress, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Challenges that existed before the pandemic have been exacerbated. Through it all, they have maintained exceptional care for patients.

As we continue to respond to the effects of the pandemic and its impact over the last three years and look to build the future healthcare delivery system in our state, we know that we need to expand Connecticut’s healthcare workforce.

Connecticut hospitals are working every day to support their workers and are on the forefront of creating new ways to keep hospital workers resilient and enhance retention and recruitment. Providing financial incentives, identifying opportunities for career advancement, and supporting continuing education are important ways hospitals are supporting the workforce. Additionally, hospitals are partnering with colleges and technical schools to develop curriculum and training to support future healthcare needs and identifying the clinical placements that will be needed to support this enhanced training.

We have also built a strong partnership with the Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), working together to support initiatives to rapidly retrain Connecticut workers for jobs in healthcare (CareerConneCT), create regional sector partnerships to enhance collaboration in communities across the state, develop healthcare career pathways for high school students, and influence the development of the CT Health Horizons program.

We must maintain our progress in supporting and growing the healthcare workforce. SB 1228 would help us maintain that momentum. We appreciate and support that the legislation focuses on preparing students for careers that span the spectrum of opportunities in healthcare.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7310.