The Impact of the Public Health Emergency on Skilled Nursing Facilities

During the PHE, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) used emergency powers to implement waivers to allow flexibilities related to the care and treatment of patients within all venues of care.

[S]killed nursing facilities were required to implement a number of operational changes to ensure the health and safety of residents. While these requirements were in the best interest of residents and staff, they did not come without significant impact to the operations of the skilled nursing facility.

With the mounting pressures to retain staff, meeting increased infection prevention, and quality requirements to ensure resident safety, and maintain financial viability, the SNF operators will need to well prepare for what occurs once the PHE ends.