Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
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7/7/23  10:53 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

Devaluation of Skilled Care and Consequences of Low Hourly Rates
 

A critical concern arising from the proposed changes is the systemic devaluation of skilled care and the adverse consequences of the persistently low hourly rates for care attendants. The existing compensation structure, characterized by an unacceptably low wage, engenders many detrimental outcomes. Firstly, it impedes the recruitment and retention of highly skilled caregivers, resulting in a scarcity of qualified professionals to provide essential care services. Secondly, the low hourly rate perpetuates a cycle of high turnover and workforce instability, leading to disrupted continuity of care and compromised patient outcomes. Moreover, this devaluation extends beyond parent care attendants, impacting the broader caregiving workforce, including skilled nursing providers, who struggle to secure higher remuneration. By failing to address the systemic undervaluation of skilled care and remuneration disparities, the proposed changes not only compromise the quality of care but also perpetuate a workforce crisis that impairs the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.

CommentID: 217827