# Understanding the Nursing Home Workforce Support and Expansion Act of 2021

This bill creates a federal grant program to help states recruit and keep workers in nursing homes and similar care facilities. The federal government would provide $400 million per year for four years (2022-2025) to states, which would then distribute the money to help nursing home workers and people training to become nursing home workers.

The money can be used in several ways to support these workers. States must use funds for wage subsidies (extra pay), help with student loans or tuition for relevant certifications, affordable childcare assistance, and transportation help. States can also use the money for emergency financial assistance, help with legal issues that might prevent employment, and paid time off programs. Essentially, the bill recognizes that nursing home jobs are often low-paying and difficult, so it tries to make these positions more attractive and sustainable by addressing the financial barriers workers face.

The grants go to states based on how many elderly and disabled residents they have, with every state guaranteed at least a small minimum amount. States can pass the money along to local organizations like nonprofits, community groups, and workforce development boards to actually deliver the support to workers. The bill also sets aside 2 percent of the funding specifically for Native American tribes and tribal organizations that operate care facilities. States must report back to the federal government on how they spent the money and whether the program actually helped recruit and retain workers in these positions.

Nursing Home Workforce Support and Expansion Act of 2021

Horsford, Steven

Nursing Home Workforce Support and Expansion Act of 2021 This bill provides funding through FY2025 and otherwise revises a grant program for states and Indian tribes to support workers in nursing facilities, home health agencies, and related settings. Grant recipients must use funds to provide eligible workers with wage subsidies, educational assistance, and access to affordable child care and transportation.