The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule Sept. 1 which would establish comprehensive, minimum nurse staffing standards for long-term care (LTC) facilities. There are three core components to this rule:
- Sets minimum staff hours per resident per day – 0.55 hours by registered nurses (RNs) and 2.45 hours by nurse aides (no mention of licensed practical nurses).
- Requires an RN on site 24/7.
- Enhances facility assessment requirements.
The MHA is deeply concerned about the implications of this legislation due to the current challenges securing long-term care placements and expects more beds will come offline or facilities will close to meet the proposed standard. Michigan is currently experiencing a shortage of nurses, and implementing a blanket staffing mandate for healthcare institutions will have a negative impact on access to care.
The MHA encourages members to consider responding to this proposed rule by Nov. 6. Members interested may provide comments to the MHA to be included in a comment letter.
More information can be found in the White House fact sheet or CMS press release. Members with questions or input may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.