New U.S. Nursing Home Staffing Requirements

Author

Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors

Posted on

Mar 03, 2024

Book/Edition

Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties

share-this
Share This

Originally Posted September 15, 2023


Long-term care facilities, also referred to as Nursing Homes

 

Working to improve the quality of care for elderly residents, the Biden Administration has given CMS the authority to implement new regulations that mandate nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid to maintain minimum staffing levels and promote transparency.  Outlined in a report from The White House, the new regulations target the long-standing concerns of understaffing and the impact it has on the quality of life and care of vulnerable residents in nursing homes. In this blog, we will discuss implications of the new rules and their potential to make an impact on long term care in the United States.

 

Understaffing Problem

For years understaffing has been an ongoing issue in U.S. nursing homes, with consequences being inadequate care to elderly neglect and abuse.  The COVID-19 pandemic called attention to the vulnerabilities our loved one’s face in these facilities, over 200.000 lives were lost in long-term care facilities (npr.org), which prompted a call for systemic change.  As nursing homes struggled to cope with the demands of the pandemic, the need for more personnel and better staffing ratios became glaringly evident.  

 

New Regulation Focus

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced new regulations requiring nursing homes to meet minimum staffing requirements, in an ongoing effort to improve the quality of care for Medicaid and Medicaid recipients and are expected to have a profound impact on the industry.

 

New Regulations Key Provisions

 

·  Minimum Staffing Levels: Nursing homes are now required to maintain a minimum staffing level, ensuring there are enough nurses and other staff members to meet residents’ needs adequately. These levels will vary depending on the size and needs of the facility.

·  Staffing Ratios: Facilities must now have an appropriate number of registered nurses (RNs) on staff 24/7 to provide skilled nursing care to residents.

·  Transparency: Nursing homes must be transparent about their staffing levels and retention, making this information readily available to residents and their families.  As staffing levels and turnover have shown to be directly correlated with quality of care

1.  CMS database of nursing home owners and operators.

2.  Improve transparency of facility ownership and finances.

3.  Enhance nursing home Care Compare rating website.

4.  Examine the role of private equity investors in the nursing home sector

· Accountability: CMS will enforce these regulations through regular inspections and assessments. Nursing homes failing to meet the requirements may face serious penalties of lose their eligibility to Medicare and Medicaid funding

Potential Impact

 

There are several positive changes these new regulations are expected to make in the long-term care industry

 

· Improved Quality of Care: Appropriate staffing levels mean better care for residents, as their needs will be addressed more promptly.  When a resident’s need is met in a timely manner it can lead to preventable medical complications and overall improvement in the resident’s quality of life. (PubMed)

 

· Improved Resident Safety: Incidents of neglect and abuse may decline with more staff members available, ensuring a safer environment.

 

· Better Staff Retention: CMS is investing $75 million in financial incentives, in things like tuition reimbursement to help improve retention at nursing homes. (npr.org) When a facility is staffed adequately it can reduce burnout and stress, leading to less staff turnover and hopefully as a result will attract more skilled professionals to the industry.

 

· Informed Choices and Transparency: Nursing Home Five-Star Rating System will aid families in making informed decisions when choosing a facility for their loved ones.

 

· Government Accountability: Oversight and government enforcement are critical in ensuring nursing homes are held accountable and lead to systemic positive changes.


Challenges and Concerns


Implementation: Due to nationwide shortages in nursing and healthcare supportive staff, nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid may struggle to meet the new regulations standards.

Costs: Hiring additional staff equates to increased costs which are often passed on to the residents. The American Health Care Association believes that the proposal will worsen current conditions and cost nursing homes billions. (Associated Press)

Monitoring and Enforcement: Effectiveness of the new regulations will rely on regular monitoring and enforcement by CMS. With 75% of nursing homes nationwide being impacted, this could potentially lead to closures and additional struggles, especially in remote areas. (Associated Press)

Not Enough: Leader of Long-Term Care Community Coalition, Richard Mollot, called the measures “completely inadequate”. While admitting that the 24/7 nursing requirement may make small improvements in some of the worst facilities. (Associated Press)

There is no question that we all want quality care in a safe environment for our elderly and loved ones.  While there will be many challenges to overcome implementation, the benefits in enhanced quality care, resident safety, and transparency outweigh the concerns. Only time will tell if these new regulations will truly be able to aid nursing homes in making changes that yield positive long-term outcomes for residents. Families being able to make better and more informed choices as to where their loved ones receive care is a step in the right direction. After decades of caring for loved ones, there is nothing that can compare to having a family member or friend that checks in on their person regularly. Being present and knowing you’re coming has a positive impact not only on the residents but the staff too. Long-term care is a team effort and taking an active role to be a positive part of that team can make a significant difference. 

 

'Britt Hemsell | Senior Living Advisor & Blog Contributor


Resources:

The Associated Press by Matt Sedensky: reader.dallasnews.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=87cfddf9-73c6-4259-a88b-e6e912921658

The White House: FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Steps to Improve Quality of Nursing Homes | The White House

NPR: Biden New Federal Standards for Nursing Home Care : NPR

PubMed: The association between nurses' burnout and objective care quality indicators: a cross-sectional survey in long-term care wards - PubMed (nih.gov)

Other Articles You May Like

Understanding Skilled Nursing: What You Need to Know

When it comes to healthcare, especially for our aging loved ones, exploring the numerous available options can be overwhelming. One term you might frequently encounter is skilled nursing. But what is skilled nursing and how does it differ from other forms of care? Lets delve into the details and clarify these concepts, including the award-winning skilled nursing offerings at The Glenview at Pelican Bay.What is Skilled Nursing?Skilled nursing refers to a high level of medical care that trained health professionals, such as registered nurses and therapists, must provide. This type of care is typically required for patients who need intensive medical attention and monitoring after surgery, serious illness, or injury. Skilled nursing services can include wound care, intravenous therapy, injections, physical therapy, and monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment.What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?A skilled nursing communityalso called a skilled nursing facilityis a licensed healthcare facility that provides 24-hour medical care and daily assistance for patients who need short-term acute care for recovery or long-term care due to chronic conditions. These communities are equipped with professional medical staff, including nurses, therapists, and physicians, who work together to provide comprehensive care plans tailored to each patients needs and goals.Is Skilled Nursing the Same as a Nursing Home?While skilled nursing communities and nursing homes may seem similar, they serve different purposes. Nursing homes primarily offer custodial care, which includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, for individuals who may not require extensive medical care. In contrast, skilled nursing facilities provide medical care for patients needing more intensive medical and therapeutic services. All skilled nursing communities offer nursing home services, but not all nursing homes offer skilled nursing care.Difference Between Skilled Nursing and Palliative CareSkilled nursing and palliative care often need clarification because the two types of care serve distinct roles. Skilled nursing focuses on rehabilitation and recovery to improve the patients health and independence. On the other hand, palliative care is centered around providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, focusing on improving the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Its not necessarily about curing the disease or illness but managing the symptoms and providing comfort.What Is Respite Care?Respite care is temporary care designed to relieve caregivers responsible for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability. It can be offered in various settings, including in-home, at a facility, or at a daycare center. Respite care ensures the primary caregiver gets a much-needed break to rest and recharge while providing the loved one with quality care in a safe environment.Discover Premier Skilled Nursing at The GlenviewFor over 20 years, The Glenview at Pelican Bay has been a trusted haven for seniors, offering exceptional care through our luxurious onsite healthcare center dedicated to helping you feel your best.What is skilled nursing at Premier Place? Its a sophisticated, beautifully remodeled, bright, inviting center offering first-class hospitality that begins the moment you step through the doors. All our patient rooms are private with their own bathrooms and lip-less showers for easy access. We also offer round-the-clock visiting hours so families can spend as much time as they need, providing continuous support and presence for their loved ones. With licensed nurses on staff 24 hours a day, exceptional hospitality, enjoyable activities and programs, and a 5-star rating, you receive the best care.Premier Places dedication to exceptional care and service for both short-term and long-term needs has earned state and national recognition. U.S. News & World Report awarded Premier Place the Best Nursing Home distinction with a 5 out of 5 rating for short-term rehabilitation. Additionally, our healthcare center received the Governors Gold Seal Award for Excellence, honoring Florida nursing centers that demonstrate sustained excellence in long-term care.At Premier Place, our approach to skilled nursing is truly personalized. Whether you need physical, occupational, or speech therapies after surgery, recovery from an acute illness, or long-term skilled care, our experienced experts and caregivers are here to support you in a spa-like setting.The care given here is more than excellent. The CNAs are kind, but even more important, they know what patients are here for and make sure they know what the patients goals are, said resident Ann Tabrizchi. The therapists are supportive and set realistic goals that build patient confidence. (They have) more inventive ways than I thought possible to accomplish routine household tasks. Overall, this is the best rehab in Lee and Collier counties.As the preferred skilled nursing care and health and rehabilitation center for the Naples community, our clinical outcomes consistently rate the highest in the area. Our multidisciplinary team of nurses, therapists, and aides specializes in therapies designed for seniors, ensuring every healing moment matters.We work closely with you, your family, your doctors, and your caregivers to provide comprehensive support on your road to recovery. Whether youre looking forward to grandkids and golf, beach picnics, or gardening, well help you get back to it all.If you or a loved one needs skilled nursing care, experience the comfort, healing, and well-being offered by The Glenview at Pelican Bay. Contact us to learn more.Featured Image: Unai Huizi Photography / Shutterstock

Patient & Family Care at Vincentian

At Vincentian, Patient and Family Centered Care is a fundamental approach that shapes every aspect of healthcare delivery. This philosophy places individuals at the heart of all decisions and actions, recognizing that each person has unique needs, preferences, and communication styles.Core PrinciplesThe cornerstone of this approach is the partnership between caregivers, patients, residents, and their families. This collaborative model ensures that care is tailored to individual needs, promoting not just health but overall thriving.Understanding the Patient ExperienceTo truly grasp the patient and resident experience, Vincentian employs several strategies:Shadowing: Staff members may follow patients or residents throughout their day to gain firsthand insights into their experiences.Observation: Careful monitoring of daily routines and interactions helps identify areas for improvement.Continuous Learning: The organization maintains an open dialogue with those they serve, constantly adapting to feedback and new information.Practical ApplicationsPatient and Family Centered Care manifests in various practical ways:Personalized Scheduling: Therapy sessions are arranged around preferred mealtimes or sleep patterns.Tailored Welcome: New residents receive personalized invitations to activities matching their interests.Flexible Care Plans: Care routines are adjusted to accommodate individual preferences and habits.Fostering ConnectionVincentian recognizes that the need for human connection doesn't diminish with age or in care settings; in fact, it becomes even more crucial. Their approach emphasizes:Intergenerational Interaction: Programs that bring together different age groups, fostering mutual learning and growth.Holistic Wellness: Strategies addressing all aspects of well-being, from physical health to social and emotional needs.Community Building: Creating environments where residents don't just coexist but thrive together.Designing for Individual NeedsThe organization goes beyond basic care to create living spaces that truly feel like home. This is achieved through:Resident Councils: Groups that provide input on community decisions and improvements.Experience Workgroups: Teams dedicated to enhancing the overall resident experience.Adaptive Design: Spaces and programs that evolve based on resident feedback and changing needs.Inclusive EnvironmentVincentian strives to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and accommodating to all. This includes:Diverse Programming: Activities and events that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.Accessible Spaces: Physical environments designed to be navigable by residents with varying levels of mobility.Cultural Sensitivity: Recognition and celebration of the diverse backgrounds of residents and staff.Continuous ImprovementThe organization maintains a commitment to ongoing enhancement of their care model. This involves:Regular Feedback Loops: Mechanisms for residents and families to share their experiences and suggestions.Staff Training: Continuous education for caregivers on the principles of Patient and Family Centered Care.Innovation in Care: Exploring new technologies and methodologies to improve care delivery and resident quality of life.By embracing this comprehensive approach to Patient and Family Centered Care, Vincentian creates a nurturing environment where individuals are not just cared for but truly valued and empowered. This model recognizes that each person's journey is unique, and by tailoring care to individual needs and preferences, Vincentian helps ensure that every resident can live their life to the fullest, maintaining dignity, autonomy, and a sense of community throughout their care journey.  Give them a call today to learn more about what makes them different.

How To Choose A Nursing Home

When someone you love needs extra care, it's time to think about a nursing home. This can be a tough decision, but there are ways to make it easier. Let's look at how to pick a good nursing home that will take great care of your family member.Location and BuildingThe first thing to think about is where the nursing home is. It's best if it's close to you so you can visit often. When you go to see the nursing home, look around carefully. Is it clean? Does it look nice outside? Are there places where your loved one can go outside for fresh air?Look at the rooms too. Make sure you see all kinds of rooms, not just the fancy ones. Ask yourself if the rooms feel cozy or if they look too much like a hospital.Staff and CareThe people who work at the nursing home are very important. You want to make sure there are enough workers to take care of everyone. Ask how many nurses and helpers there are for each patient. Also, find out if the same people work there for a long time. If workers stay at their jobs, it usually means they like working there.It's also good to ask how the workers are trained. Do they know how to help older people with different health problems? Make sure they know how to take care of your loved one's special needs.Daily LifeA good nursing home should help your loved one have a nice day every day. Ask about what kind of activities they have. Is it just bingo and movies, or do they have other fun things to do? Can your loved one go on trips outside the nursing home?Food is important too. Ask about the meals and snacks. Can your loved one eat whenever they want, or are there set meal times? Try to taste the food if you can.Some nursing homes let people help out with small jobs if they want to. This can make your loved one feel useful and happy. Ask if they have chances to do things like help deliver mail or read to other people.Respect and ChoicesIt's important that your loved one is treated with respect. They should be able to make some choices about their day. Can they decide when to wake up or what to wear? Can they eat in their room if they want to? Make sure the nursing home respects your loved one's likes and dislikes.Visitors and FamilyCheck the rules about visitors. Can you come anytime, or are there special visiting hours? It's good if you can visit often. Also, ask if your loved one can make video calls to family and friends.Money MattersNursing homes can be expensive. Many people think Medicare will pay for everything, but that's not always true. Medicare only pays for some types of care, and only for a short time. You might need to pay for some of the care yourself.Ask the nursing home how much it costs and what kinds of payment they accept. Some places might help you make a plan to pay over time.Keep Asking QuestionsEven after you choose a nursing home, keep asking questions and staying involved. Visit often and pay attention to how your loved one is doing. If you see anything that worries you, talk to the people in charge.Remember, the most important thing is to find a place where your loved one will be safe, happy, and well cared for. By asking lots of questions and looking carefully at different nursing homes, you can find the best place for your family member.

Local Services By This Author

Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors

Housing Placement & Resource Specialists 5960 West Parker Rd Ste 278-215, Plano, Texas, 75093

When Its Time for Senior Living, We Help You Find the Perfect Community for You! With over 900 senior living options in the DFW area, Ruby Care helps families make informed decisions. We provide complimentary assistance to find the most appropriate living community including Indepenent Living, Assisted Living, Residential Care Homes, Memory Care & Nursing Home. Our ExperienceIf you've been searching for senior housing for you or your loved one, you know there are hundreds of senior living communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Let Ruby Care help you.  We do the legwork at no cost to you and help you find the place that is perfect for you and your family.Our professionals are well-known in the communities they serve.  In order to help you best, they network with health care providers, such as home health, hospice, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, physicians and other senior service providers.Collectively, our team has over 50 years of experience in healthcare and we are trained to listen to your needs so that we can work to find the best options for you...at no cost! Why Us?We know this can be a stressful time for you as you choose your next  home.  When you work with us, you will be assigned a Senior Living  Advisor (SLA) who knows the community and has first-hand knowledge of  the communities you are considering.  Your SLA will meet with you in person and will listen to your wishes, wants and needs in order to help guide  your next steps.  Your SLA will also help you with senior living community tours and  preparation to help guide you through the selection process.  We serve as your advocate and help make this a smooth, seamless transition.  Once you have selected a community, we continue to follow up for at least the next thirty days to make sure things are going well and there are no outstanding concerns. possibilities.  placement.  peace of mind.