Penn Memory Center Co-Director Dr. Jason Karlawish has been appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to serve on Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council, Wolf’s office announced Tuesday.
The 35-member council will make recommendations to improve the commonwealth’s long-term services and supports system with respect to regulations, licensure, and financing appropriate departments and agencies.
Chaired by Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne, the council comprises a diverse array of stakeholders, including long-term care consumers, advocates, caregivers, providers, and policymakers.
“Pennsylvania spends over $5 billion annually on long-term services and supports that range from in-home services and supports to round-the-clock care provided by professional nurses and trained staff in licensed nursing facilities throughout the commonwealth,” Osborne said. “Recognizing that our state faces multiple demographic challenges within our long-term services and supports system, the creation of the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council is quite timely as we look forward to working with its members to ensure that every Pennsylvanian, including our seniors and persons with physical disabilities, have access to quality care in the most appropriate setting for their particular needs.”
The council will focus on a range of issues including community access to quality care and public education, as well as behavioral health issues for adults over the age of 60.
“Each member of the council has experience with Pennsylvania’s long-term care system and brings both a unique and pivotal perspective to the table,” said Charles Quinnan, the council’s new executive director.
The council’s first meeting is scheduled for Nov. 30.