Author: Charles Adams

CMS Staffing Mandates: A Recipe for Rural Rationing? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently enacted minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes, aiming to improve resident care through mandated nurse-to-resident ratios. While supporters claim it’s a win for the elderly, a closer look reveals a policy riddled with holes, particularly for rural nursing homes. Short-Term Shock: Worker Exodus & Skyrocketing Costs The healthcare industry is already grappling with a severe nursing shortage. The American Health Care Association (AHCA), representing long-term care providers, warns these mandates will trigger an exodus. Mark Parkinson, AHCA president and CEO, stated in a…

WASHINGTON – In a move that could signal a broader shift, Oklahoma is rethinking its regulations on how nursing homes spend Medicaid funding. The state currently mandates facilities to dedicate 70% of new Medicaid dollars directly to resident care. However, Senate Bill 1417 proposes more flexibility for providers, potentially reducing the required direct care spending percentage. This comes as the national long-term care industry grapples with rising costs and staffing shortages. Proponents of the bill argue it would allow facilities to better manage these challenges by providing subsidies for staff training and promotions, while also considering the complexity of resident…