News Article

The Biden Administration Announces Most Significant Reforms in Nursing Homes in Decades

February 28, 2022

On Monday, February 28, 2022, the Biden Administration announced it would be implementing a variety of nursing home reforms, including the creation of a minimum staffing standard in nursing homes, accountability for poor performing nursing homes, increased transparency around ownership and finances, and support for direct care staff. These critical reforms will address many of the long-standing problems that have plagued nursing homes for decades. More than 200,000 residents and staff died from COVID-19, and tens of thousands more suffered from the effects of isolation and neglect.

Advocates, residents, and families have long called for these actions to address the inadequate conditions that many residents experience. This announcement will increase positive health outcomes for current and future nursing home residents. Importantly, it will save lives.

The Biden plan promises additional important reforms such as enhanced enforcement and penalties, new efforts to reduce the misuse of antipsychotic medications, and improved pandemic and emergency preparedness in facilities. The Administration will take steps to implement reforms directly and calls on Congress to enact legislation to support these goals.

The Consumer Voice applauds the Biden Administration for taking this bold step and looks forward to supporting them on implementing these plans.

Read the White House press release.