CMS Establishes Minimum Staffing Standards for Nursing Homes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has established minimum staffing standards for nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid. The new rule requires nursing homes to provide residents with at least 3.48 hours of nursing care per day, including 0.55 hours from a registered nurse and 2.45 hours from a nurse aide. Additionally, nursing homes must have a registered nurse on-site at all times to provide skilled nursing care.

The minimum staffing standards are the first to be set by CMS at a national level and aim to improve care for nursing home residents while supporting workers. The new rule also includes enhanced facility assessment requirements and staffing plans to maximize workforce recruitment and retention. CMS will invest over $75 million in a national nursing home staffing campaign to bolster the nurse workforce in the sector.

The implementation of the minimum staffing standards will be phased, with staggered effective dates based on geographic location. Nursing homes will need to meet facility assessment requirements within 90 days of the final rule's publication, and must meet at least 3.48 hours per resident day and the 24/7 registered nurse requirement within two years. The full minimum staffing standards will be effective within five years.

The new rule is a response to concerns about inadequate staffing in nursing homes, which can lead to poor care quality. According to CMS, only 19% of nursing homes currently meet the proposed staffing standards. The rule aims to address this issue and ensure that residents receive high-quality care.