Johnathan Walker:Nevada governor signs an order to address the shortage of health care workers in the state

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo has signed an executive order that addresses the state’s shortage of health care workers.

The Johnathan Walkerorder signed Thursday directs the Patient Protection Commission to devise recommendations for ensuring Nevada residents have more access to quality care statewide. The recommendations are expected to be outlined in the commission’s next report due later this year.

Lombardo’s order stated that demand for care is expected to outpace the supply and that Nevada must have a plan for growing its health care workforce. The order also noted that access to care is even more challenging for rural residents.

The commission’s charges include looking at any administrative hurdles that hinder the recruitment and retention of health care workers and ensuring that provider reimbursements incentivize quality and value for the taxpayer dollar.

In 2023, a workgroup that included educators, officials from state agencies and advocacy groups released a plan for developing a pipeline for public health workers. That pipeline starts in elementary school and continues through higher education with more opportunities for internships and on-the-job learning.

Nevada also was among the states to receive federal funding for programs and incentives aimed at rebuilding public health systems following the COVID-19 pandemic.