Providers Push Back on CMS’s Move to Zero in on Nursing Roles in Minimum Staffing Study

Nursing home providers and industry leaders renewed their pleas this week to federal government officials to consider non-nursing positions in its proposed minimum staffing requirements, perhaps to no avail.

An upcoming study to help determine an appropriate staffing level will squarely focus on nursing staff, specifically registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), according to Abt Associates Principal Alan White, the research firm contracted by CMS to study the issue.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted a virtual stakeholder listening session on Monday to provide additional information on its plans to establish a proposed minimum staffing level, in addition to opening the floor for overall feedback on the topic.