Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz activated the National Guard to form skilled-nursing "response teams" to provide support to long-term care facilities experiencing staff shortages and proposed providing $50 million in federal funding to facilities to help with hiring and retention in a Nov. 22 press release.
Initially, 400 National Guard members will start training as certified nursing assistants and temporary nursing aides by Nov. 29, according to the release.
Facilities facing severe staff shortages can request assistance from the Department of Public Health, and selected facilities will receive a National Guard team to provide support for up to three weeks at a time.
"Our long-term care facilities are facing an all-hands-on-deck moment, and that’s why we are taking unprecedented action to support skilled nursing workers, residents, and patients," Mr. Walz said. "Financial support will help our skilled nursing facilities hire and retain talented staff to care for patients, and the Minnesota National Guard is preparing to fill any staffing gaps."