The Biden administration, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, has announced the finalization of the first-ever minimum staffing rule at nursing homes. This mandate, which applies to facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding, requires a minimum of 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident per day. This includes specific time requirements for registered nurses and nurse aides, ensuring adequate staffing levels to meet residents' needs.
Under the new rule, nursing homes must have at least two or three registered nurses and 10 or 11 nurse aides for every 100 residents, along with additional nurse staff on each shift. Furthermore, a registered nurse must be present on-site at all times. The mandate will be phased in gradually, with rural communities given longer timeframes and temporary exemptions available for facilities facing workforce shortages.
The primary goal of this rule is to address chronic understaffing in nursing homes, which can lead to substandard or unsafe care for residents. The White House emphasizes that adequate staffing levels are essential to ensure residents receive necessary care, such as assistance with daily activities and prompt response to medical emergencies.
While the mandate has faced opposition from nursing home operators, who cite challenges in filling open positions and potential financial burdens, consumer advocates argue that the rule does not go far enough. Some advocate for even higher staffing standards based on research showing the need for increased care hours per resident.
Congress has also been divided on the issue, with bipartisan efforts to block the rule and calls from some lawmakers, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, to strengthen it. However, the Biden administration remains committed to implementing the staffing requirements to improve care quality for residents and working conditions for staff.
Overall, the new minimum staffing rule represents a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of nursing home residents, while also addressing workforce challenges in the long-term care industry.
