SB 1450, An Act Concerning Recruitment and Retention Of The Health Care Workforce

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

Monday, March 10, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 1450, An Act Concerning Recruitment and Retention Of The Health Care Workforce. CHA supports this bill.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Hospitals support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

SB 1450 proposes that the Department of Public Health (DPH) establish a healthcare provider loan reimbursement program to support full-time healthcare providers, especially those working in primary care or in rural communities. It also calls for DPH to establish a virtual education program to provide home-based virtual education to individuals seeking certification as a nurse’s aide or emergency medical technician (EMT) in the state.

CHA appreciates the legislature’s ongoing focus on workforce development and fully supports efforts to recruit and retain professionals, including radiologic technician and respiratory therapists, in the healthcare sector.

Loan repayment programs for healthcare providers are aligned with CHA’s ongoing work and advocacy. They serve as a critical tool to alleviate the financial burden for healthcare workers, helping to address staffing shortages, and improve healthcare access in underserved areas. We also appreciate the committee’s introduction of a virtual learning option for those seeking certification as nurse’s aides or EMTs, as it creates more flexibility for those pursuing a career in these fields. Strategies such as these complement the work on which CHA continues to build, as well as underscore the recommendations outlined in the comptroller’s 2025 Healthcare Cabinet Report. CHA supports and encourages the committee to review the workforce recommendations outlined in the comptroller’s report.

Connecticut hospitals work diligently to support their workers and are at the forefront of creating new ways to attract new talent and enhance recruitment and retention. Providing financial incentives for students, 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 curricula and training to support future healthcare needs and identifying the clinical placements that will be needed to support this enhanced training.

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

Together, we can build on the investments already made to expand educational and training opportunities, ease the path to careers in healthcare, support workforce retention, and enhance the safety of current and future healthcare workers. We must maintain our progress in supporting and growing the healthcare workforce. SB 1450 would contribute to the all-hands-on-deck approach we need to meet the employment demands in the healthcare field.

We look forward to continuing this important work with the committee.

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