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.