Virginia would support shared nursing worker training in shortage regions

The state health department would run the Regional Care Compacts Pilot Program to support shared recruitment and training. Each group would include at least two providers, such as hospitals, nursing facilities, and licensed home care organizations. Other health care entities would need department approval. Providers would not have to join, contribute resources, or remain in a group. Region selection would favor high nurse aide or practical nurse vacancy rates, shortages in care capacity, or disproportionate effects from federal workforce or health funding cuts.

Provider groups could share resources and arrange joint training, paid apprenticeships, and recruitment efforts. Participating groups could partner with schools, workforce boards, and private organizations to support training and job placements. Groups would have no power to regulate providers or set worker pay, employment terms, or patient care rates. Workforce data sharing would have to follow state and federal privacy laws. Groups would also have to follow laws against unfair limits on competition.

The state health department would help provider groups coordinate their work and report program results. State guidance would cover privacy, data sharing, and regional staffing needs. Group reports would cover trainees, workforce results, partnerships, and challenges. The state report would recommend whether to continue, expand, or adjust the program. The department would use existing staff and resources as much as practical. Each group would report annually to the department. The department would send a combined report to the Governor and General Assembly each year by December 1.