Baker, Mastriano team up on state veterans home advisory oversight
Feb. 6—WILKES-BARRE — Sen. Lisa Baker this week said Pennsylvania has a long and proud history of serving veterans and their families.
"One important way is by providing quality care to veterans and their spouses in six extended care facilities throughout the state that offer personal, skilled and dementia care," said Baker, R-Lehman Township.
The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 129 — sponsored by Sen. Baker and Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-District 33.
The bill would enhance the oversight at Pennsylvania's six state veterans' homes through their advisory councils as follows:
—Provide that the advisory councils are to advise the state adjutant general on resident care, management, operations and compliance of facilities to ensure high-quality health care and well-being of resident veterans.
—Revamp the current advisory councils to include 15 members — including a family member of a current or past resident. Nominees would be veterans from the surrounding communities.
—Require the department to provide a subject matter expert to be available for each of the advisory council's meetings.
—Stipulate that advisory councils comply with open meeting requirements.
—Require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide an Annual Report to the General Assembly.
Baker said her particular interest in this legislation comes from many years of service as the Senate appointee to the oversight council at the Gino Merli Veterans' Center in Scranton.
"From this position, it's evident to see the connection of care between the center's staff, its leadership, and the many volunteers working to care for residents," Baker said. "Senate Bill 129 has very simple goals — to build upon the existing advisory council model, bringing new and different voices to the table to improve resident care and help make each facility the best it can be."
Mastriano, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said state veterans homes deliver an incredible service — providing care to veterans and their families when they need it the most.
"Yet, it is important that we do our utmost that this standard of care at our veterans homes does not diminish," Mastriano said. " This measure would help ensure just that."
Baker said Pennsylvania's six veterans' homes are important in the state's continuum of care for our veterans and their families.
"Having current residents select individuals, including at least one family member of a current or past resident, ensures a personal voice is shared," Baker said. "A loved one brings a helpful and unique perspective to the advisory council."
During her remarks on the Senate floor, Baker said Gino Merli's nephew, Chet, has long had a keen interest in the facility, and he has wanted to be part of the continuing to uphold the legacy of this Medal of Honor recipient for which the center is named.
"Chet suggested creating a designated appointment for a family member of a current or former resident," Baker said. "I echoed this idea and legislation followed."
Through this lens, Baker said a different perspective can be found.
"Perhaps it is speaking for a resident no longer capable of communicating or hearing directly from family members of other residents about challenges or concerns," Baker said. "The personal connection is different, and I argue invaluable, to proving the best care for a population deserving that of us."
Senate Bill 129 now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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