Montco Lawmaker's Bill Seeks To Protect PA Healthcare Workers

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Hundreds of healthcare workers in Pennsylvania face a troubling lack of basic personal protective equipment, and numerous healthcare facilities do not have adequate safety plans in place to control the spread of coronavirus, according to officials.

In response, Montgomery County's State Sen. Maria Collett (D-12), along with Allegheny County's State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-38) have introduced legislation that would protect the workers who are on the front lines of fighting the outbreak.

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The new bill would provide emergency funding for N95 masks and mental health support for healthcare workers, while also creating clear standards that would hold healthcare facilities responsible for adequately containing the spread of the virus.

Collett said she had heard stories from more than three hundred healthcare workers from SEIU Pennsylvania about ongoing issues.

“We must provide greater support and protections to the brave workers who protect, heal and comfort us,” Collett said in a statement. "Our doctors, nurses, first responders, senior care aides and others should not have to worry about getting sick or infecting others while performing their essential work. As a nurse, I know firsthand the challenges they face and the urgency of passing this critical legislation to address the health risks these workers are up against."

In addition, the bill would introduce required cleaning standards, and suspend or limit as many non-essential in-person healthcare services as possible, while shifting more essential workers to virtual services.