The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently introduced new rules for nursing home minimum staffing standards, aiming to enhance the quality of care for our most vulnerable citizens. Despite some industry pushback, these standards are necessary to ensure nursing home residents’ health and safety. Here, we’ll explore why these regulations are essential and dispel some of the myths surrounding them.
The Importance of Adequate Staffing
Nursing home residents, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, require consistent and attentive care. A recent study revealed that increasing the hours registered nurses (RN) spend with assisted living residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is linked to a decrease in injury-related emergency department (ED) visits. This finding underscores the direct impact that adequate staffing has on resident health outcomes.
RNs are critical in monitoring residents’ conditions, managing medications, and responding to emergencies. Insufficient staffing levels compromise those responsibilities and lead to preventable injuries and hospitalizations. The new rule requires an RN to be onsite 24 hours a day. In Missouri, facilities are currently only required to have an RN on site 8 hours a day. With this, CMS aims to ensure that every resident receives the attention and care they deserve.
CNAs provide the bulk of the care to residents. CNAs help get residents in and out of bed, dress them, help them to the restroom and change them if needed, bathe residents, and provide basic medical care. One can see how the hours on tasks like this add up, but in our Ombudsman work, we frequently see CNAs tasked with providing this care to over 25 residents in a single shift. With this, it’s no wonder that CNAs have a high level of burnout and turnover. The average annual turnover for a nursing home in the United States is 53% yearly.Â
Financial Viability and Industry Profits
One of the main arguments against the CMS rules is the perceived financial burden they impose on nursing homes. However, it’s important to note that many ownership groups within the industry are reporting record profits and even increasing their dividends to investors. This suggests that the financial resources to meet these staffing requirements are available; it’s a matter of prioritizing resident care over profit margins.
Moreover, the Justice Department’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action recovered over $2.75 billion in false claims. It charged 193 defendants in criminal cases, many involving nursing homes, home health or hospice agencies, and assisted living providers. This action highlights the need for stringent oversight and regulation within the industry. Ensuring adequate staffing levels can reduce the likelihood of fraudulent practices and improve the overall quality of care.
The Long-Term Benefits of Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards
Implementing nursing home minimum staffing standards is not just about immediate improvements in care; it’s also about long-term benefits. Consistent and adequate staffing can lead to better health outcomes for residents, reducing the need for emergency medical services and hospitalizations. This, in turn, can lower overall healthcare costs and improve the sustainability of the long-term care system.
Additionally, adequate staffing helps to reduce burnout among nursing home staff. When nurses and caregivers are overworked, the quality of care suffers, and staff turnover rates increase. By ensuring that facilities are properly staffed, we can create a more supportive and sustainable work environment for healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
The CMS rules for minimum staffing standards in nursing homes are crucial to improving the quality of care for our elderly population. Despite the industry’s financial complaints, the evidence suggests adequate staffing is feasible and necessary. By prioritizing resident care and ensuring that nursing homes are properly staffed, we can create a safer and more compassionate environment for our most vulnerable citizens.
For more information on the CMS minimum staffing standards, visit the CMS website.
By implementing and supporting these standards, we take a significant step toward ensuring that our loved ones receive the quality care they deserve. Let’s advocate for these necessary changes and support the CMS in its efforts to improve nursing home care.