In 2012, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to enact healthcare cost containment legislation referred to as Chapter 224 by establishing the Health Care Workforce Transformation Fund. The funds are to be used to support education and training initiatives for healthcare employers facing workforce challenges as they adapt their practices to meet the cost containment and quality improvement goals of Chapter 224.
In March 2014, the Commonwealth Corporation issued a Request for Proposals for Health Care Workforce Transformation Fund Training Grants (2nd round) requiring letters of intent by June 27, 2014 and applications due by July 31, 2014. Up to $12.5 million is available for these grants with a maximum of $250,000 per grant.
The funds may be used for healthcare related education and training at any level, be used to deliver skills training for participants who have already completed a professional degree, or used to train current employees.
Lead applicants must demonstrate operational and fiscal capacity to manage public funds, and must be a healthcare employer with operations in Massachusetts that employs state residents, or a healthcare business or industry association representing members who are healthcare employers.
For more information, go to www.commcorp.org or email Karen J. Shack at kshack@commcorp.org or call (617) 717-6930.