DeLuca encouraged by proposed regulations to protect patients at long-term nursing facilities

Rep. Tony DeLuca    July 21, 2021 | 5:07 PM

PITTSBURGH, July 21 – State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, said he is pleased with the state Department of Health’s proposed nursing home regulations focused on providing better care to patients by increasing the number of minimum direct-care hours within a 24-hour period from 2.7 hours to 4.1.

“I proposed increasing the number of direct-care hours for residents in long-term care facilities to 4.1 hours in House Bill 213 earlier this year, and it’s encouraging to see the state propose similar action,” DeLuca said. “The proposed increase in the hours of direct care would be an improvement for patient safety and would provide the care that our loved ones in nursing homes deserve.”

DeLuca said he will continue to advocate for unannounced inspections of long-term care facilities, another element included in H.B. 213.

“Residents of long-term care nursing facilities deserve to receive high-quality care,” DeLuca said. “The change proposed by the state today is a step in the right direction in helping to improve Pennsylvania’s healthcare system and provide better patient outcomes.”

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