SNF Operators in Favor of Staffing Standards But Not Without Funding, Role Expansion

Ahead of a federal minimum staffing ratio to be proposed for the nation’s nursing homes, data continues to show a shortfall of available staff to meet such requirements.

Many operators are in favor of higher staffing levels, but not without state or federal funding to hire and retain the appropriate level of staff. Others hope the types of positions counted in a staffing minimum will be expanded beyond registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

The current federal requirement does not provide a specific daily minimum standard, rather, it states that nursing homes must provide “…sufficient nursing staff to attain or maintain the highest practicable … well-being” of every resident.

A recent Pulse survey conducted by Skilled Nursing News showed that 40% of respondents who operate in a state where staffing mandates are in place are unable to meet those requirements. About 56% of respondents to SNN’s survey said they operate in a state that requires staffing minimums.