May. 07, 2020
HARRISBURG – Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Hempfield) today introduced a resolution to create a bipartisan subcommittee of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee to study the state’s response to COVID-19 in the Commonwealth’s long-term care facilities.
“Our senior living facilities have been the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis in Pennsylvania,” Nelson said. “Almost 70% of our state’s deaths occurred there. We must identify gaps and best practices which need to be addressed in preparation for this winter’s flu, pneumonia and COVID season.”
House Resolution 864 would require the subcommittee to investigate, review and make recommendations on:
• Reporting requirements imposed on long-term care facilities by the state departments that license them
• Mitigation efforts implemented during the pandemic.
• Suspension of regulations and policies by the state during the pandemic.
• Challenges residents faced.
• Reasoning behind the rapid spread, infection and deaths of residents.
• Distribution of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies.
The subcommittee would also review other states’ best practices and methods for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. The recommendations would be presented at the earliest practical date.
The 57th Legislative District includes the following Westmoreland County communities: the city of Greensburg; the townships of Hempfield (part) and Salem; and the boroughs of Delmont, Hunker, New Stanton, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg and Youngwood.
Representative Eric Nelson
57th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
RepNelson.com /
Facebook.com/RepNelson