CT Prepares Plans If Nursing Home Workers Go On Strike

CONNECTICUT — If workers at 26 nursing homes in the state go on strike Friday, the state Department of Public Health announced the facilities will still meet the needs of patients under strike contingency plans it approved with owners of the nursing homes.

Gov. Ned Lamont and the state's largest healthcare workers union are in the midst of negotiating a new labor deal, for which the state this week made its last, best offer of $280 million over two years, reported the Connecticut Mirror. Lamont also called on the Connecticut National Guard to assist DHP by accompanying its inspectors at the nursing homes; the guards will not be used to as replacement staff at the facilities.

The union has not said whether it will accept the offer or not, which prompted the state and the owners of the 26 nursing homes to come up with contingency plans in the event of a strike at the facilities Friday morning.

The owner of seven other nursing homes, RegalCare, and the state have not yet reached a deal on contingency plans. District 1199, SEIU, New England Health Care Employees Union, which represents employees at those seven facilities, has postponed its possible strike until May 28.

Acting DPH Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford said contingency plans were approved for nursing homes owned by iCare Health Network, Genesis Healthcare and Autumn Lake Healthcare, which calls for "critical provisions for staffing, security, pharmaceuticals, essential supplies and necessary services to meet the needs of residents."

If a strike occurs, DHP's role will be to monitor and assess the care and services provided to residents to ensure their health and safety, according to Gifford.

"Our professional staff are fully prepared and activated to do so," Gifford said. "The state of Connecticut will not sacrifice quality of care for nursing home residents."

Gifford added that DPH will conduct on-site strike monitoring inspections at varying times at all affected nursing homes on a 24-hour basis, and inspectors will assess the care and services provided to patients. Additionally, as part of the inspection process, DPH will review staffing, observe patient care and review medical records.