service are complete , the physicians continue to practice in these communities where they ’ ve put down roots .”
Miller says it ’ s important when recruiting physicians to the state to highlight all that the community has to offer in terms of lifestyle and family .
“ It ’ s just as important that we showcase all that West Virginia has to offer so that the entire family can picture a life here ,” Miller says .
Additionally , the state has implemented programs to help address health care challenges that impact the workforce shortage , including an expansion of training opportunities and financial support for hospitals .
Governor Jim Justice launched the Saving Our Care initiative in September 2021 to provide staffing assistance and financial help to hospitals and long-term care facilities . In 2022 , the governor invested in the nursing workforce and emergency medical services expansion projects to expand training opportunities , increase retention and provide incentives to attract new providers to the state . Through funding from the nursing workforce initiative , the West Virginia Board of Nursing launched an online early career nurse support group to facilitate resilience and prevent early exit from jobs .
Additionally , the National Governors Association , Office of the Governor , West Virginia Development Office and WVHEPC are participating with 14 other states to share health care workforce best practices .
“ With a focus on nursing , physicians , direct care workers and the behavioral health workforce , we are learning from other states and adapting strategies to our own needs ,” Persily says . “ Collaboratives like these allow us to accelerate our learning and the implementation of strategies in our state .”
In 2016 , West Virginia broadened the legal scope of practice for nurse practitioners and in 2021 , the governor signed into law Senate Bill 714 , allowing more physician assistants to find a physician to partner with so they can operate a rural clinic .
“ The goal of these pieces of legislation is to allow health care workers who are not physicians to open practices in rural areas and provide services that they are qualified for such as preventive care and yearly checkups ,” Phalen says .
Miller says it isn ’ t only up to the health care industry to address these issues and increasing awareness needs to start young .
“ Truly addressing the labor shortage is not something that happens in isolation — it ’ s K-12 , higher education , professional schools , businesses and community organizations coming together to ensure that West Virginia children know what opportunities are available to them and understand the path to reach their goals ,” Miller says .
Kaufman says that every sector of the health care industry — down to the patient — needs to do what it can to address the state ’ s current health care challenges .
“ Because of hospital staff shortages , we need everyone to do their part and ensure we make the best use of limited resources ,” Kaufman says . “ Everyone making efforts to improve their own health long-term is also needed . As our population ages and there are limited health care professionals , we all need to do our part .” •