‘Embrace’ staffing measures in new CMS pay rule

While proposed funding cuts grabbed the spotlight in the administration’s newly offered nursing home pay rule Monday, also within it are some highly noteworthy plans regarding President Joe Biden’s minimum staffing initiative.

CMS said it’s specifically seeking input on establishing minimum staffing requirements that nursing homes “will need to meet to ensure all residents are provided safe, high-quality care, and nursing home workers have the support they need.” The administration said on Feb. 28 that it would research and propose federal minimum staffing levels within a year — a goal that Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has since said he expects to beat.

On Monday, CMS also said it is asking for stakeholder comment on the implementation of a nursing home staff turnover measure in the SNF value-based purchasing program.