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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a proposed rule that would establish new staffing standards for long-term care facilities, including skilled-nursing facilities. Comments on the proposed rule are due Nov. 6.
The proposed rule identifies three key requirements for minimum staffing levels:
- A registered nurse (RN) on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Minimum RN staffing of 0.55 hours per resident day (HPRD)
- Minimum nurse aide staffing of 2.45 HPRD
The new requirements would be implemented on a staggered basis, with possible hardship exemptions for qualifying facilities. Additional provisions in the proposed rule address updates to facility assessment related to staffing decisions. CMS also announced a national campaign to support staffing in nursing homes, which will provide scholarships and tuition reimbursement to support workforce development.
CHA is currently analyzing the proposed rule and will provide additional information in the coming weeks.
