State staffing policies could hamper MedPAC’s recommendations on federal mandate

A federal minimum staffing mandate is on the horizon for nursing homes at the beginning of 2023. Providers and experts wonder just how the proposed mandate might address historic staffing shortages without resources or support.

Although a minimum staffing ratio for nursing homes sounds like a good policy, money is needed to turn the idea into reality, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) said at its Sept. 30 meeting.

State staffing policies for nursing homes would also come into play, which could complicate their ability to make quality recommendations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Congress.

MedPAC could help CMS develop its standard using payroll-based journal data. MedPAC, however, is not in a position to release any specific recommended staffing minimum.