In Springfield, Missouri, a new federal rule on the table that aims to impose staffing standards on nursing homes eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, have worried some nursing homes. This rule would hold facilities accountable for insufficient staffing levels.
Outlined by the Biden-Harris Administration, the proposed regulation mandates that Medicaid and Medicare-eligible nursing homes ensure each resident receives a minimum of 30 minutes daily with a registered nurse and around two and a half hours per day with a nurse aide. Additionally, it necessitates the presence of a registered nurse on-site 24/7.
Tim Corbin, administrator of Truman Lake Manor in Lowry City, foresees rural nursing homes bearing the brunt of this proposition. He highlights the existing challenge in attracting nurses to smaller communities, limiting their capacity to admit residents due to staffing constraints. Corbin fears this proposal would exacerbate the problem.
Nikki Strong, the executive director of the Missouri Health Care Association, echoes concerns, asserting that meeting these standards would be unattainable for many facilities. She notes that only a handful of certified facilities in Missouri would meet these stringent requirements, potentially leading to numerous closures.
Brian Miller, CEO of Maranatha Village in Springfield, expresses worry, especially for rural facilities already grappling with staffing shortages. He emphasizes the declining population in rural areas, leading to underfilled nursing homes that may struggle further with these new mandates.
Both Strong and Miller have voiced their concerns to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through comment letters. Strong estimates that CMS has likely received thousands of similar letters. Typically, CMS reviews these comments extensively before finalizing any decisions, implying that it might be months before a verdict on this mandate is reached. For more details on the proposal, it's available on The White House website.