The Association for German Elderly and Disabled Care (VDAB) expressed concern that a potential change in the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health, specifically concerning Minister Nina Warken (CDU), could lead to a temporary paralysis of the ministry’s operations. According to VDAB Executive Director Thomas Knieling, this transition presents a dual dynamic: while it offers the opportunity to re-evaluate the Care Ordering Act, it simultaneously risks creating a period where the ministry cannot function effectively until the successor is fully inaugurated.
The association also called upon CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann, who is being considered as a possible successor, to accelerate progress on the stalled nursing reform. Knieling emphasized that the current challenge is to connect the high financial pressures within the long-term care insurance system with meaningful structural reforms. He pointed out that the repeated postponement of discussions concerning the Care Ordering Act (PNOG) within the Federal Cabinet underscores the inherent difficulty of the policy task. The VDAB specifically noted that improvements are required regarding the refinancing of standard labor wages and ensuring outpatient care services can effectively deliver care under the framework of the new care budgets.
Looking ahead at the potential appointment of Linnemann, Knieling stressed the necessity for tangible results. He stated that the Care Ordering Act must be advanced in a significantly improved form to the cabinet and subsequently passed through parliament. Professional care facilities require clear perspectives and dependable frameworks to guarantee the consistent provision of adequate care.
