The nation’s significant shortage of certified practical nurses (CNAs) would be addressed under a bipartisan bill introduced Sept. 13 by U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-KS) that seeks to ensure that older Americans receive quality care in nursing homes.

“Almost every business and industry is suffering from labor shortages, but perhaps some of the most significant shortages are those in facilities that provide care for others,” Rep. Estes said. “This bipartisan bill is critical right now to address the devastating CNA shortages, especially in rural areas, by allowing nursing homes to resume CNA education programs more quickly.”

Rep. Estes is the lead co-sponsor of ensuring seniors have access to quality care legislation, HR 8805, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) to allow nursing homes that have suspended CNA’s in-house education programs due to receive some level of penalties for resuming once quality standards are met, according to a summary of the bill provided by the lawmakers’ offices.

“The law guaranteeing seniors’ access to quality care ensures that nursing homes continue to meet high standards without losing the levels of staff necessary for quality care,” said Rep. Estes.

Under current law, nursing homes that receive a threshold number of penalties for quality defects face a mandatory two-year suspension from their in-house CNA certification programs, according to information provided by staff. of Representative Estes.

If passed, the measure would lift those suspensions on CNA’s internal education once deficiencies are corrected and would require additional monitoring of facilities that does not exceed the initial two years, according to the reports.

HR 8805 is complementary legislation to S. 4381 of the same name introduced on June 13 by US Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Mark Warner (D-VA).