REIT ownership linked to decline in RN staffing, increases in LPN, CNA use

Nursing homes, after being purchased by a real estate investment trust, are likely to see increases in licensed practical nurse and certified nursing assistant staff hours per resident day of 2.15% and 1.55%, respectively. Also, registered nursing staffing can decrease by as much as 6.25% in two to three years after the investment.

That’s according to a study released Wednesday ahead of print by the journal Health Affairs.

“REIT nursing homes may substitute relatively inexpensive LPN and CNA care in place of more expensive RN care,” the authors said. “More investigation is needed to clarify how changes in staffing after REIT investment affect nursing home quality of care.”