The new CMS regulations aims to combat chronic understaffing in long-term care facilities.
In September 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a significant change in the healthcare landscape with the introduction of Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities. These new regulations aim to combat chronic understaffing, a long-standing issue within the industry that was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CMS has outlined three core staffing proposals. Firstly, they have set minimum nurse staffing standards at 0.55 hours per resident per day for Registered Nurses (RNs) and 2.45 hours for Nurse Aides (NAs). Secondly, there is a requirement for an RN to be present on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lastly, the rule enhances facility assessment requirements to ensure these standards are met and maintained.
Recognizing the challenges that such requirements may pose to facilities, CMS has suggested a staggered approach to implementation. This allows time for facilities to adapt and includes the possibility of hardship exemptions for certain cases. This approach stems from a comprehensive study conducted by CMS, including a 2022 Nursing Home Staffing Study, engagement with stakeholders, and reviews of recent staffing data.
To bolster these efforts, CMS has also launched a national campaign to support staffing in nursing homes by partnering with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The campaign includes over $75 million in financial incentives such as scholarships and tuition reimbursements, aiming to make it easier for individuals to pursue careers in nursing homes. This is part of a larger initiative to expand the nursing workforce, with HRSA allocating more than $100 million to train nurses.
These initiatives by CMS mark a proactive step towards ensuring that residents of LTC facilities receive safe, reliable, and quality care. By setting clear staffing standards and supporting the growth of the nursing workforce, CMS is addressing both immediate needs and future challenges in long-term care.C