ACA Facts: Direct Support Workforce Provision

November 6, 2012

Direct Support Workforce Provision

Title V of the ACA provides improved access to and the delivery of health care services for all individuals, particularly low income, underserved, uninsured, minority, health disparity, and rural populations by increasing the supply of qualified health care workforce. Specifically, it amends the Public Health Services Act by inserting a program to authorize $10 million in grants to institutions of higher education to provide training to direct care workers who are employed in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home and community based settings. Eligible entities must have an established public-private education partnership with providers of long term settings. Furthermore, individuals enrolled in courses under this grant must agree to work in the field of geriatrics, disability services, or long term services and supports for a minimum of two years.