October 20, 2023

ACTION NEEDED: Tell CMS that Nursing Homes Need More Staff to Keep Residents Safe

The health and safety of nursing homes residents is put at risk when there are not sufficient nurses and aides to meet their needs. Currently, the number of staff in 7 in 10 nursing homes’ staffing levels is below the level experts have determined is necessary to prevent resident harm.

Earlier this year the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would require an increase in the minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid. The proposal faces strong opposition from the corporations that own and run nursing homes.

Additionally, the rule would benefit nursing home employees, who are terribly understaffed and overworked, since it serves as an important first step towards quality care and jobs. If approved, nursing homes would have to increase staffing in 75% of facilities. That means more than 90,000 new nurse and nurse assistant jobs nationwide.

Help the Alliance stand up for nursing home residents and the hard-working staff who need more support.

Tell CMS you support nursing home residents, and higher staffing levels are needed to ensure their health and safety. Click here to send your message now!