Nursing Homes, AHCA/NCAL Sue Biden Administration Over Staffing Mandate

May 24, 2024, 12:19 PM

Nursing homes across the United States are preparing for a new staffing mandate introduced by the Biden administration, despite efforts to halt its implementation. The mandate has sparked significant controversy, particularly in New Hampshire, where facilities are facing challenges. The nursing home industry, represented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, arguing that the staffing requirements are impossible to meet and will harm thousands of nursing homes and vulnerable residents. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the agency behind the mandate, which aims to address longstanding staffing issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics, including Rep. Adrian Smith, argue that the mandate will disproportionately affect rural areas and facilities already struggling with workforce shortages. Smith noted that 90% of Nebraska facilities won't be able to meet the requirements and is a cosponsor of Rep. Fischbach’s bill to block the mandate. The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) maintains that the new rules are necessary to ensure the safety of residents and workers.