LeadingAge PA issues statement on Wolf administration issuing universal testing order for nursing homes
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (June 8, 2020) - Adam Marles, president and CEO of LeadingAge PA, the voice for nonprofit senior care in Pennsylvania, today issued the following statement on the Wolf Administration's Universal Testing Order for Nursing Homes:
"We appreciate that the Department of Health released definitive guidance on mandated testing to get a baseline and prevent further asymptomatic spread of COVID-19, which we know is critical for our long-term care facilities. What the plan does not appear to do is provide the clear means for how our members are to make this happen. The Emergency CARES Act funding approved last week provides relief for the costs long-term care facilities already incurred during the pandemic, but as new positive cases are confirmed through universal testing, the need for additional resources will grow. Staff replacement and additional costs for care for newly-identified positive cases will create a significant strain on providers.
"As our members across the commonwealth prepare and plan to make adjustments to comply with the new testing requirements, it is important our broader communities continue to wear face coverings and masks in public spaces and practice social distancing to protect older adults from spread by asymptomatic staff in the absence of rapid and reliable testing."
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About LeadingAge PA:
LeadingAge PA is a trade association representing more than 360 nonprofit senior housing, health care, and community services across the commonwealth. These providers serve more than 75,000 older Pennsylvanians and employ over 50,000 dedicated caregivers on a daily basis. Services our members offer include Life Plan Communities / Continuing Care Retirement Communities, skilled nursing communities, assisted living residences, personal care homes, and affordable senior housing. LeadingAge PA advocates on behalf of our members at the state and local levels to influence positive change and affect a healthy vision for the delivery of quality, affordable, and ethical care for Pennsylvania's seniors. For more information about LeadingAge PA and our envisioned future of senior services, visit www.leadingagepa.org.
Media Contact:
Christina Carden
ccarden@leadingagepa.org