Welcome to election campaign

Caregiver Workforce Reform

Strengthening Rhode Island’s Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Rhode Island is facing a crisis in long-term care. Caregivers—CNAs, medical techs, support staff—are doing some of the hardest and most important work in our state, yet many are underpaid, overworked, and employed in facilities that struggle to stay afloat. When wages are low and turnover is high, the people who suffer most are seniors who depend on consistent, compassionate care.

1. Fair, Competitive Pay for Caregivers

Improving wages is essential to stabilizing the workforce.

• Raise caregiver pay to competitive levels.

• Tie state subsidies to fair wage standards.

• Reward facilities that invest in staff retention.

2. Strengthen Oversight and Accountability

Facilities receiving state funds must be transparent and meet clear expectations.

• Require financial transparency for subsidized facilities.

• Tie funding to staffing levels, quality scores, and safety records.

• Increase unannounced inspections and corrective action plans.

3. Balanced Approach to Unionization

Caregivers deserve a voice, stability, and fair treatment.

• Support unionization efforts that improve working conditions.

• Protect residents by prohibiting strikes in hospital and emergency care settings.

• Encourage strong negotiation practices that result in reasonable compensation and staffing agreements.

4. Expand Training Pipelines

We need more trained caregivers entering the workforce.

• Create caregiver training partnerships with high schools, CTE centers, and community colleges.

• Offer certification scholarships for CNAs, medical techs, and specialized care roles.

• Provide paid apprenticeships and on-the-job mentorship programs.

5. Safe Staffing Levels

Quality care requires enough trained staff on every shift.

• Establish minimum staffing standards based on acuity.

• Incentivize facilities that exceed staffing expectations.

• Penalize persistent understaffing that jeopardizes resident safety.

6. Dignity for Residents, Respect for Caregivers

Our seniors deserve stability, respect, and consistent care. Caregivers deserve fair treatment, proper support, and the ability to build a career helping others.