Healthcare workforce shortage

Gov. Josh Shapiro and state health secretary Dr. Debra Bogen discussed a $5 million investment that launched the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program in the 2025/26 state budget during a visit to Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale. The program provides matching state funds to hospitals to attract nursing staff with student loan repayment assistance.

Pa. Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh announced a new clinical training partnership between Clarks Summit State Hospital and Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s College of Osteopathic Medicine to train future physicians and address the need for health professionals in rural areas.

Geisinger College of Health Sciences expects to welcome students to its Geisinger School of Nursing Scranton location in fall 2027, offering associate degrees in nursing (ADNs).

The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by state Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill County), convened a public hearing at Benco Dental in Luzerne County to discuss dental workforce shortages and their impact on the state's health.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, or UPMC, started a rural residency program two years ago. The program trains doctors at its Wellsboro and Cole locations in Northcentral Pennsylvania to bolster the rural doctor workforce.

The latest proposal comes after the nurses’ five-day strike in February and negotiating sessions on March 25 and 26. Union members said they will not agree to this proposal.

The Vermont senator met virtually with union representatives before tweeting 'Geisinger: do the right thing' amid protracted labor negotiations.

Geisinger and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare PA returned to the negotiating table on day three of the five-day strike.

Both Geisinger and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare PA expressed a desire to get back to the negotiating table and end the strike on time.

Geisinger’s unionized Luzerne County nurses began a strike on Feb. 17. The union had been in negotiations with Geisinger since November, and nurses have been working under an expired contract since the end of January.