Monday, August 06, 2007
Lt. Governor Judge, Health Leaders Announce Recommendations to Improve Health Care Workforce
(Des Moines) – While gathered at the Iowa State Capitol, Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge and health care leaders from Iowa outlined recommendations to improve education and training for Iowa’s direct care workforce. The Lieutenant Governor, Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Director Dean Lerner, representatives of the Iowa Direct Care Worker Task Force, Iowa CareGivers Association, and the Better Jobs Better Care Coalition discussed implementation of comprehensive education and training recommendations made by the Iowa Direct Care Worker Task Force.
Leaders discussed progress that has already been made to begin implementing the recommendations, which were released to the Governor’s Office, Iowa’s General Assembly, and the Iowa Department of Public Health in December 2006. The recommendations are designed to ensure the health and well being of all Iowans and ensure that Iowa is responding to the health care workforce shortage.
Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge said “The Culver-Judge Administration has made the health and well being of Iowans a top priority. And to ensure that every Iowan has the best care possible, we need a strong, qualified direct care workforce. The Governor’s Office supports the efforts of the Iowa Direct Care Worker Task Force and the collaborative efforts of state agencies to implement these important recommendations.”
Anthony Wells, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Co-Chair, Iowa Direct Care Worker Task Force, emphasized the importance of direct care workers in meeting the health and long term care needs of Iowans. He said “The implementation of the Task Force recommendations will send a clear message about Iowa’s commitment to ensuring professionalism and consistent education and training, resulting in quality care.”
Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton discussed progress that has been made in beginning to implement the recommendations, including the passage of House File 909, which provides funding to the Iowa Department of Public Health for implementation of the Task Force recommendations. Director Newton commented, “The Iowa Department of Public Health is committed and eager to provide leadership in moving the recommendations of the Task Force to fruition.”
For a copy of the full Iowa Direct Care Worker Task Force recommendations, please visit their website or call 515-241-8697.