A significant move in the regulation of nursing homes across the United States is underway, with the federal government introducing new staffing requirements. The recently announced Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule aims to ensure that residents receive adequate care and support, a response to alarming reports of high mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 22, 2024, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris formally introduced the final version of the Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to elderly care. Published in the Nursing Times, the law mandates minimum staffing ratios for registered nurses (RNs), nurse aides, and other nursing staff in federally funded nursing homes.
Under this new regulation, care homes must provide a minimum of 3.48 hours of staffing per resident per day, which breaks down into:
This means that in a 100-resident facility, at least two to three registered nurses, 10–11 nurse aides, and two additional staff members will be required at all times.
President Joe Biden has framed this initiative as a safeguard against nursing homes prioritizing profit over patient well-being, stating:
“We are working to make sure no nursing home can sacrifice the safety of their residents just to add some dollars to their bottom line.”
Further reinforcing this, the rule also mandates that a registered nurse be on-site 24/7, including weekends and night shifts.
While many patient advocacy groups have welcomed this law, the journey to full implementation is expected to be gradual. Currently, the law is in the public comment phase, and it could take years before becoming fully enforceable. The government plans to roll out implementation in phases, allowing rural nursing homes additional time to comply due to staffing shortages in less populated areas.
This initiative was first announced by President Joe Biden in 2022, following a report that estimated over 200,000 nursing home residents had died from COVID-19 in just two years. Since then, there has been an increasing demand for stricter staffing policies to protect vulnerable populations.
While many advocacy groups have lauded the rule as a crucial step in improving elderly care, several stakeholders in the private healthcare sector have criticized it for being financially impractical.
Richard Mollot, Executive Director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, called the staffing minimums “completely inadequate” and a missed opportunity for meaningful reform:
“It is a tremendous dereliction of duty. We are continuing to allow nursing homes to warehouse people and to rip the public off.”
On the other hand, representatives from the private sector argue that the rule places excessive burdens on facilities that are already struggling. Mark Parkinson, CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, expressed concern over the feasibility of meeting these requirements:
“While it may be well-intentioned, the federal staffing mandate is an unreasonable standard that only threatens to shut down more nursing homes, displace hundreds of thousands of residents, and restrict seniors’ access to care.”
Similarly, Stacey Hughes from the American Hospitals Association warned that a “one-size-fits-all” approach could worsen existing challenges in rural and underserved communities:
“This final rule could exacerbate the already serious shortages of nurses and skilled healthcare workers across the care continuum.”
Despite these concerns, the U.S. government has indicated that they are open to reviewing and adjusting the staffing minimums in the future, based on feedback and implementation challenges.
For care homes across the country, these new regulations could lead to higher operational costs but also improved care quality. At Bella Care Home, a premium care facility in Fresno, California, ensuring high standards of care and staffing has always been a top priority. The new law aligns with their commitment to maintaining a well-trained workforce that prioritizes resident safety, comfort, and well-being.
While the full impact of these regulations remains to be seen, it is evident that the U.S. government is taking steps to prioritize the safety and dignity of elderly residents in nursing homes. The conversation surrounding staffing reforms continues, with many hoping that further investments in workforce training and recruitment will complement the new mandates.
Bella Care Home is a high-quality care home located in Fresno, California. Known for its exceptional service, the facility has built a reputation for providing personalized care to its residents. With a highly professional team always available, Bella Care Home ensures that any urgent needs are met promptly, fostering a safe and supportive environment.
For more information, you can contact them here:
7947 N Matus Ave, Fresno, CA 93720, United States
+1 559-259-6228