On his first day back in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump issued sweeping executive orders aimed at dismantling Biden-era policies, signaling a potentially significant shift for the healthcare sector. Among the most notable moves was a freeze on new federal regulations—a decision that has left skilled nursing providers hopeful for a reprieve from the Biden administration’s controversial nursing home staffing mandate.
The freeze, which temporarily halts any proposed or recently finalized regulations, gives the Trump administration 60 days to review existing rules for compliance with its priorities. While this moratorium does not directly affect the nursing home staffing mandate, industry leaders are optimistic that the rule, projected to cost between $40 billion and $68 billion over the next decade, could be rolled back or revised.
Providers Call for Quick Action
“We can’t say what the Trump administration has planned for the aging services sector based on his first day in office,” said Linda Couch, senior vice president of policy and advocacy at LeadingAge. “While the nursing home staffing rule does not fall under the president’s executive order on a regulatory freeze, we are hopeful that the rule’s repeal is on his 100-days to-do list.”
The mandate, introduced nine months ago, requires nursing homes to assess resident needs and implement new staffing standards. Although its initial provisions took effect last August, specific staffing requirements are set to roll out in spring 2026. Critics argue that the financial burden of compliance is unsustainable for many operators.
According to Cynthia Morton, executive vice president of ADVION, the regulatory freeze is a common strategy for incoming administrations. “It’s typical for new leadership to take time to evaluate pending regulations,” Morton explained. “This pause gives them an opportunity to align policies with their agenda. However, few immediate impacts on long-term care providers have been observed so far.”
Impact on Federal Operations
In addition to regulatory changes, President Trump ordered a full-time return to offices for federal employees and imposed a hiring freeze. These measures could affect the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which has been working to rebuild its workforce after significant losses during the pandemic.
Temporary appointments have also begun shaping the administration’s health policy team. Endocrinologist Dorothy Fink, MD, is now serving as acting secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), while Mehmet Oz, MD, awaits Senate confirmation as CMS administrator. Both appointments are expected to influence the administration’s approach to long-term care policies.
Global and Industry Concerns
In a controversial move, Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with its pandemic response. The decision drew criticism from healthcare leaders, including the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
“The WHO has long been a champion in leading efforts to drive infection prevention and control measures globally,” said APIC President Carol McLay, DrPH. “This withdrawal weakens our combined efforts to combat infections and poses risks to global health security.”
Despite uncertainty about the administration’s long-term plans, nursing home operators are closely monitoring developments.
Looking Ahead
Industry advocates are urging swift action to address the staffing mandate. “We’re eager to see more cabinet appointments finalized so we can begin discussions with the administration about their plans for aging services,” Couch said.
As the Trump administration navigates its early days, nursing home providers remain cautiously optimistic that their concerns will be addressed. The coming weeks will reveal whether the administration’s promises to cut costs and reduce regulatory burdens will translate into meaningful relief for the skilled nursing sector.