Guidelines of the Province of Burgenland on the disbursement of funds under the Care Fund Act to increase the remuneration of care staff

Demographic trends show an increase in the older population. With an older population, there is also an increased need for care and thus an increased need for care services. In this context, it is necessary to ensure better pay for nursing staff. The corresponding personnel requirements are to be met in the coming years so that the population in Burgenland can continue to be provided with high-quality care services. This is to be achieved through a pay increase. Higher pay shows an increased appreciation for professional activity, which in turn has a positive effect on job satisfaction. The Federal Act on a special-purpose subsidy to the Länder for the years 2022 and 2023 for the increase in remuneration in nursing care (Remuneration Increase Special-purpose subsidy Act – EEZG), BGBl. I No 104/2022, as amended by the Federal Act BGBl. I No 170/2023, which expires on 31 December 2025, provided for an increase in remuneration for nursing staff under the Health and Nursing Act (GuKG), BGBl. I No 108/1997, as well as for members of the social care professions under Article 15a B-VG between the Federal Government and the Länder on social care professions, BGBl. I No 55/2005, for the years 2022 and 2023. Pursuant to Paragraph 3(2)(3) of the Bundesgesetz BGBl. I No 13/2023, the Federal Act establishing a long-term care fund and granting a special grant to the Länder for the purpose of securing and developing the care and care service offer in long-term care in line with needs (Pflegefondsgesetz – PFG), BGBl. I No 57/2011, as amended by Federal Law BGBl. I No 170/2023, provides for the continuation in 2023 of the increase in the remuneration of carers and social care professionals provided within the meaning of Paragraph 3 of the Lohnstiegs-Zweckzuschussgesetz – EEZG, BGBl. I No 104/2022, as amended by Federal Law BGBl. I No 13/2023. As a holder of private rights, the Land of Burgenland may grant funding under the PFG to increase the remuneration of nursing and care staff. The following guidelines have been adopted for the detailed design of the funding, in particular for the determination of the eligibility conditions and for the determination of the funding amount.