Federal government to regulate nursing home staffing for the first time.
Federal government to regulate nursing home staffing for the first time.
Nursing Homes to Meet Federal Minimum Staffing Requirements: Improving Resident Safety and Quality of Life
Nursing homes across the United States will soon be required to meet federal minimum staffing requirements, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The move aims to improve resident safety and overall quality of life.
“Establishing minimum staffing standards for nursing homes will improve resident safety,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a news release. “Comprehensive staffing reforms can improve working conditions, leading to higher wages and better retention for this dedicated workforce.”
The proposal sets a minimum staffing requirement equivalent to 3 hours of care per resident per day, with at least 30 minutes provided by a registered nurse (RN). Furthermore, facilities would be required to have an RN on staff 24 hours a day, every day.
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, head of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees nursing homes, hailed the proposal as “an important first step.” Currently, the average caregiver staffing in U.S. nursing homes is 3.6 hours per resident per day, with RNs accounting for over half an hour of that time.
While this new requirement is a positive development, officials acknowledge that many nursing homes will need to increase their staffing levels. Stacy Sanders, an aide to Secretary Becerra, emphasized the importance of the proposed standard, stating that it would raise staffing levels in over 75% of nursing homes, ensuring every facility has a registered nurse available around the clock.
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The United States is home to nearly 15,000 nursing homes, providing care for approximately 1.2 million individuals. A 2001 study funded by the CMS had recommended a higher threshold of 4.1 hours of nursing care per resident daily. However, the announcement of the lower staffing requirements has disappointed advocates who argue that they do not adequately consider overall quality of life.
Richard Mollot, leader of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, expressed disappointment, stating, “This was not the time for an incremental step. You really had a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
On the other side of the debate, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) had lobbied against staffing mandates, citing issues such as insufficient Medicaid subsidies, hiring and retention difficulties, and the closure of some facilities. AHCA President and CEO Mark Parkinson raised concerns over the impact of this unfunded mandate, highlighting the unprecedented labor shortage in the sector and its potential consequences for seniors’ access to care.
It is worth noting that 38 states and the District of Columbia already have their own staffing requirements in place, although some are notably low. Staffing shortages have long been a concern for residents and underpaid nurse’s aides in nursing homes. These shortages were further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed the lives of over 167,000 nursing home residents. Despite the critical need for increased staffing, the industry experienced a decrease in employees, with 218,200 fewer workers in the sector compared to February 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The proposed minimum staffing rule will now enter a public comment period, enabling stakeholders and the general public to provide input and feedback on the proposal.
Conclusion
The decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to introduce federal minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes marks a significant step toward improving resident safety and quality of life. While the proposed standards may not meet the expectations of all advocates, they represent an important starting point for comprehensive staffing reforms. With over 1.2 million individuals residing in nursing homes across the country, it is crucial that facilities have adequate staffing to ensure residents receive the care and attention they need.
Furthermore, this initiative aims to address the growing labor shortage in the industry, with the American Health Care Association expressing concerns about the availability of qualified nurses. The public comment period will allow for meaningful engagement and discussion, ensuring that different perspectives are considered in shaping the final regulations.
It is hoped that these efforts will pave the way for a new era of improved standards and conditions within nursing homes, creating a safer and more supportive environment for both residents and the dedicated workforce caring for them. By investing in staffing and enhancing working conditions, nursing homes can ultimately enhance the well-being and happiness of their residents and foster a more fulfilling experience for both staff and those they serve.
Sources: – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, news release, Sept. 1, 2023 – Associated Press – American Health Care Association, news release, Sept. 1, 2023
Additional Resource: – KFF – Nursing Homes and Staffing