Looser education rules floated as fix to Pa.’s troubled home care workforce

A bill would require direct care workers to pass a competency exam rather than have a diploma or GED. Advocates argue a more direct solution to the staffing shortfall would be to increase wages.

By KATE HUANGPU
Spotlight PA
HARRISBURG — Workers who help older adults with daily activities would no longer need a high school diploma or GED under a bill designed to boost employment in an industry that faces high turnover and rising demand.

The bill, introduced by state Sen. Dave Argall (R., Schuylkill...