Washington, D.C. – Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) recently joined other members of the Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro asking for a report on guidance issued by the state Department of Health that called for admittance of COVID-19 positive individuals in long-term care facilities.
Congressmen Dan Meuser (PA-09), Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), John Joyce (PA-13), and Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) signed the letter, which referenced the findings of a report by the New York Attorney General’s office that concluded nursing home fatalities were undercounted by up to 50 percent in the state.
On the letter, Congressman Keller made the following statement:
“Last March, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued guidance requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients. Today, more than half of the state’s COVID fatalities have occurred in nursing homes. Pennsylvanians have every right to be concerned about the effects of the Wolf Administration’s policies regarding these facilities.”
“After the shocking revelation of Governor Cuomo’s failed nursing home cover-up, I join my colleagues in urging AG Shapiro to conduct a similar investigation into the policies that put Pennsylvania seniors living in long-term care facilities at risk.”
A copy of the letter is attached.
Background:
This latest action builds on Congressman Keller’s efforts to protect seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last summer, the Pennsylvania Republican Delegation sent a letter to Attorney General Shapiro’s office seeking formal insight on the impact of Governor Wolf’s nursing home guidance.
