HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 91


(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss)


[Introduced March 8, 2002; referred to the Committee on Rules]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to appoint a select committee to conduct a study to determine the most appropriate mechanisms to provide incentives for better staffing of nursing homes and better wages for nursing home staff, and to determine appropriate funding means to compensate nursing homes, with the ultimate goal of better patient care.

Whereas, It is a goal of the Legislature to see that nursing homes in this state provide an acceptable level of patient care, which is the best possible considering all the constraints; and
Whereas, A very important component of nursing home care is the service provided by employees ; and
Whereas, Salaries, wages and staffing levels are important in attracting and retaining qualified nursing home employees; and
Whereas, Financial constraints negatively impact salaries, wages and staffing levels; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the various mechanisms which provide better staffing levels and better salary and wages for nursing home employees and to determine the means available for funding increased staffing levels and increased salary and wages for nursing home employees; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the committee shall report to the Legislature its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations, no later than the first day of January, two thousand three; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct the study and to prepare appropriate reports, recommendations and proposed legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.



This resolution is recommended for adoption in the 2002 Regular Session by the Joint Committee on Pensions and Retirement.