I agree with many other comments.  Staffing has always been challenging, but right now, it is an EXTREMELY difficult market to recruit and retain staff in.  This ties back to provider's ability to be competitive in terms of pay and benefits.  We aren't just competing with other healthcare providers.  We are competing with every other employer in our area.

Many rates have not been refreshed in years and those that were recently refreshed were not up to the full levels.

It would be very beneficial if we could put this money towards rate increases for providers who will then invest that money back into their workforce.  Without this, the only way providers can mitigate the staffing shortage is to limit their census and that causes a ripple effect throughout the continuum of care.  This leaves kids / adults without appropriate resources to ensure they live their best lives.

Many thanks for asking for our input and we look forward to the decisions on how to spend this pot of money.