I am pleased to let you know that I have joined Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) in reintroducing the Caring for an Aging America Act, a bill to ensure that the healthcare workforce is prepared to meet the needs of our growing population of older Americans.

The Caring for an Aging America Act would provide $130 million in federal funding over five years to attract and retain health care professionals and direct-care workers by providing them with loan forgiveness and career advancement opportunities.

Specifically, this bipartisan bill would:

•Establish the Geriatric and Gerontology Loan Repayment Program for physicians, physician assistants, advance practice nurses, psychologists, and social workers who complete specialty training in geriatrics or gerontology and agree to provide two years of full-time clinical practice and service to older adults.

•Expand the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program to include registered nurses who complete specialty training and provide nursing services to older adults in long-term care settings.

•Increase career advancement opportunities for nursing and direct care workers by offering specialty training in long-term care services through the existing Career Ladders Grants Program.

•Create a panel to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor and Congress on workforce issues related to health and long-term care for the aging population.

America is facing an immediate and growing crisis in providing care for our aging population.  Ensuring we have a well-trained health care workforce with the skills to care for our aging population is a critical investment in our nation’s future.  I am proud to sponsor legislation that will provide incentives to help qualified practitioners join the geriatrics and gerontology fields.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator