Republicans are expected to rescind the Biden administration’s nursing home staffing rule before it takes effect. The rule, which mandates minimum staffing levels, has faced opposition from the nursing home industry, which argues it doesn’t address current workforce challenges. Consumer advocates and public health experts fear that repealing the rule could harm both residents and workers. The rule was proposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw over 200,000 nursing home deaths linked to staffing shortages. It requires nursing homes to provide a minimum of 3.48 hours of care per resident daily and ensure a registered nurse is on-site 24/7. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate introduced joint resolutions under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the rule in the months after it was finalized. Despite bipartisan opposition, the rule is set to take effect for urban nursing homes in 2027 and for rural ones in 2029.
James Gooding, GLP Shareholder, emphasized the critical role staffing plays in patient care:
“Staffing shortages in nursing homes significantly impact patient care, often leading to compromised safety, well-being, and overall quality of life for residents. When facilities operate with insufficient staff, caregivers are stretched thin, leaving less time to attend to individual needs such as bathing, feeding, and responsible medication management. I have seen this result in delayed or missed care, including malnutrition, dehydration, falls, and medical errors. Eliminating a mandatory, minimum staffing requirement for adult family homes is negligent and will create more issues for patients. There is no reason for the government to allow homes to operate understaffed, other than saving money at the expense of the elderly and their families.”
GLP Attorneys Supports Nursing Home Abuse Victims
If you or a loved one is living in an adult family home, and you suspect abuse is occurring, we recommend contacting an attorney right away. GLP Attorneys has vast experience supporting clients with their nursing home abuse cases. Our experienced attorneys have helped nursing home abuse clients reach seven-figure settlements and receive the justice they deserve.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact practice leader Jim Gooding at 1 (800) 273 – 5005 for a free consultation.