From State Advocacy to Regulation & Implementation: Retaining Our Health Center Workforce through Retention Payments & Training Programs
The COVID-19 pandemic tested our limits and capacities, but we are excelling together. During this challenging time, community health centers (CHCs) in California collaborated to deliver care to millions of patients, pivoted to virtual care, and retrained or relocated to meet the moment. CPCA recognizes the hard work of our CHC workforce and their dedication to the communities they serve. As such, the Association worked with our members, regional clinic associations, California Governor’s Office, Legislature, and labor stakeholders to support and inform the development of Assembly Bill 204 (AB 204), which established the Clinic Workforce Stabilization and Retention Program (CWSRP) and the new health center training program for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs).
Governor Newsom signed AB 204 on September 29, 2022. It provides a one-time, up to $1,000 retention payment to eligible community health center staff, regardless of their full-time or part-time status. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) opened the registration applications for CHCs on November 15, 2022, and anticipates distributing funds to qualified facilities in late February 2023.
CPCA continues to work with DHCS to create a streamlined and smooth process. We collaborated with DHCS and legal counsel to develop a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and communication toolkit that CHCs can leverage to connect with their staff about this program. It contains tips, talking points, and a sample email template. CPCA also created three CHC engagement opportunities for CHCs to engage with DHCS, legal counsel, and CPCA staff – a CWSRP webinar with DHCS, a Human Resources Peer Network meeting with DHCS, and a CHC CEO meeting with legal counsel. CHCs will be able to ask questions and obtain clarification regarding the program’s implementation.
CPCA is grateful for the hard work, service commitment, and advocacy exemplified by the CHC staff to ensure that CHC staff can access the bonus retention program. If you have any questions about the CWSRP or the implementation of the NP/PA residency programs, contact DHCS at CWSRP@DHCS.CA.GOV or CPCA Director of Health Center Operations, Nataly Diaz, at ndiaz@cpca.org. You can also click here to learn more about the CWSRP.