The Health Care Personnel Shortage Task Force

The Health Care Personnel Shortage Task Force comprises 20 leaders from business, labor, education, and government. The task force goal is to address the severe current and projected shortages of health care personnel in Washington State. The January, 2003, task force report, “Health Care Personnel Shortages: Crisis of Opportunity?” outlines a strategic plan for the legislature and for state and local agencies, educators, labor, employers, and workers, with six goals, 40 strategies, and 16 outcome measures. In 2003, the legislature passed Engrossed Senate House Bill 1852 directing the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to continue convening the task force to monitor progress on the state plan and report to the legislature annually. For annual reports, presentations, and meeting information, please go to the task force web page. At the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board home page, http://www.wtb.wa.gov/, select “Programs.”