Nursing Workforce Development

Comprehensive Geriatric Education

Authorizing Legislation: Title VIII of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, as amended by the Nurse Reinvestment Act, 2002, P.L. 107-205, Section 855 of the Public Health Service Act.

Program Description and Accomplishments
The Comprehensive Geriatric Education grant program prepares nursing personnel to care for the aging population, the fastest growing group in today’s society. The program supports grants to develop and implement, in coordination with programs under Title VII, Section 753a(Geriatric Education Programs), programs and initiatives to train and educate individuals providing care for the elderly. Funds are to be used for: (1) providing training to individuals who will provide geriatric care for the elderly; (2) develop and disseminate curricula relating to the treatment of the health care problems of elderly individuals; (3) train faculty members in geriatrics; or (4) provide continuing education to individuals who provide geriatric care. These grants will prepare nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, registered professional nurses and nursing faculty with expertise in the care of the elderly. The program was authorized in 2002 and implemented in 2003. Schools of nursing, academic health centers, health care facilities, partnerships of a school and a health care facility, partnerships of a program leading to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and a health care facility, and appropriate public or private entities, including faith-based and community-based organizations are eligible to apply for these grants.

It is estimated that by 2030 there will be approximately 70 million individuals aged 65 and older who will constitute about 20 percent of the total U.S. population. Americans are living longer, healthier, and more independently than ever before. Health professionals prepared in geriatrics are critical in assisting older adults: to prevent health problems through activities such as becoming immunized, adopting healthy eating habits, exercising, and avoiding tobacco use; protect their health through early detection of chronic health problems; and implement plans that promote healthy living (Administration on Aging). The capacity for older adults to receive quality care may be limited by insufficient numbers of healthcare providers prepared in geriatrics. The Comprehensive Geriatric Education Program will prepare nurses to address the unique health needs of older Americans and enhance quality care (Congressional Record – Senate, July 22, 2002).

Nineteen grants were newly awarded in FY 2006. These grantees received non-competing continuation awards in FY 2007 and are expected to receive continuation funding in FY 2008 for their third and final project period.

Most of the Health Professions Title VII and Title VIII, PHS Act programs were reviewed as a unit in 2002 using the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART).

Funding includes costs associated with grant reviews, processing of grants through the Grants Administration Tracking and Evaluation System (GATES) and HRSA’s electronic handbook, and follow-up performance reviews.

Funding History

Budget Request
The FY 2009 Request of $3,392,000 is an increase of $59,000 above the FY 2008 Enacted level. The increase will provide support for an estimated 19 new grant projects. The total request will be used to provide advanced practice nurses, registered nurses and certified nursing assistants with specialized education and training to care for the unique needs of the elderly. Over the next 25 years, the population over 65 will grow at a rate five times that of those under 65, and those over the age of 85 are in the fastest growing segment of the population. In FY 2009, it is estimated that 80 advanced practice nurses, 7,402 registered nurses and 1,019 certified nursing assistants will be supported by this program.

NA – Not Applicable