July 17, 2023

Movement Advances to Establish Minimum Staffing in Nursing Homes

The Biden administration is preparing to address the nursing home staffing crisis by introducing a proposed rule that includes requiring more care workers per resident. Low staffing often means that workers are forced to manage care for dozens of patients at a time, frequently leading to a higher incidence of falls, rehospitalizations, and missed care. It has also led to higher resident mortality rates.

At the same time, many nursing home corporations have cut costs and reaped huge profits at the expense of workers and residents. This has been exacerbated by an influx of private equity into nursing homes.

The new Biden administration rule is expected to strengthen the nation’s long-term care system, improve the lives of residents and prevent unnecessary worker injury and burnout. That should give working families peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving the level of care they deserve.

“The rule will change the minimum number of direct-care-staff per resident,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “That is at the crux of the problem in nursing homes, and residents should see vast improvements in their daily lives once the changes are implemented.”

If you are a nursing home worker, have lived in a nursing home, know a loved one who has, or want to improve the state of care in our country, please share your story here.