Maryland Statewide Commission on the Shortage in the Health Care Workforce

The Maryland Statewide Commission on the Shortage in the Health Care Workforce (MSCSHW) was established by the Maryland legislature July 1, 2006 under Chapter 379, Acts of 2006. The Commission is to remain effective for two (2) years with authorization to expire June 30, 2008. The 21 member Commission represents differencing health occupations and health interest in the state of Maryland including, health care professionals, educational institutions, health care delivery systems, and others well-informed about the health care workforce shortages in Maryland.

The purpose of the MSCSHW is to determine the extent of the shortage of health care workers in Maryland to include an evaluation of mechanisms to enhance the education, recruitment, and retention of health care workers affected by shortages. The Commission will consider ways to enhance institutional capacity to increase student enrollment and graduation rates at institutions of higher education that offer educational programs in the fields of health care. Incentives to enter the health professions and retain health care workers also will be considered. Also, the Commission is to identify methods by which to recruit minorities, high school students, and those committed to working in rural and underserved areas to be retained long-term. The Commission will function to develop recommendations and facilitate implementation of strategies to reverse the growing shortage of health care workers in Maryland.