State Task Force Releases Action Plan to Alleviate Healthcare Worker Shortage

MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – The Governor's Task Force on Health Care Workforce has released its final report and an advisory action plan that offers solutions to address the long-standing health care workforce shortage that has plagued the state for years.

In July, a report from the Department of Workforce Development showed that Wisconsin has a greater need for registered nurses than it can meet and predicted a major shortage of nurses by 2040.

“We know that without action, labor shortages combined with an aging population will create a bleak future for one of our most important industries,” said Amy Pechacek, Wisconsin's DWD secretary. “A potential deficit of 12,000 to 19,000 registered nurses by 2040 and nearly 32,000 health care job openings between now and 2030.”

The 25-member task force has met six times since March to hear the views of experts and health industry leaders, analyze labor market data, and develop an advisory action plan for review and consideration by Governor Evers.

As a result of these meetings, the Task Force adopted ten recommendations with 26 action points, representing a series of strategies and programs to address various industry issues, including education, training, recruitment and retention of healthcare workers.

The action plan:

• Provides a comprehensive analysis of current and future challenges facing the healthcare workforce;

• Explores education and training pathways to create a more diverse, equitable and sustainable workforce;

• Identifies strategies to improve patient care and reduce the burden on our healthcare staff.

• Recommends solutions, including new policies and programs, modifications to existing programs, and necessary changes to state laws.

The solutions cover three broad categories: training and development, recruitment and retention, and regulatory policy. These include:

education and training

• Support faculty members who teach health professions through increased compensation and incentives;

• Expand access to clinical training and practical experience;

• Reducing barriers by funding comprehensive student services, including transportation and childcare; and

• Maintain and expand training programs for nurses and certified nursing assistants.

Recruitment and retention

• Adopt a Medicaid expansion to support health care workers and fund labor market initiatives.

• Increasing rates for home and community-based services and mental health providers;

• Continuing and creating grants for innovative programs and training to support employers; and

• Make sure healthcare workers are aware of the various insurance benefit options.

Regulatory policy

• Authorizing Medicaid to pay for community-based services such as those provided by doulas and community health workers;

• Supporting pathways to admission for qualified professionals with international training;

• Entering into multi-state licensing agreements that allow professionals to practice in other participating states; and

• Fund and expand health programs for healthcare workers to promote employee retention.

The Governor's full Task Force on the Health Worker Advisory Action Plan and more information on the Task Force's efforts can be found here.

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