News Article

Summary of Final Rule on Minimum Staffing

May 15, 2024

On Monday, April 22, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the long-awaited final rule implementing a minimum staffing standard in nursing homes. The culmination of a two-year process, including a request for information, a study, and a comment period, CMS has introduced a staffing rule designed to address the poorest-performing homes in the United States.

The final total staffing rule is well below the 4.2 hours of direct care per resident per day (HPRD) supported by Consumer Voice, and includes numerous waivers and delays in implementation for some areas for at least five years. While Consumer Voice recognizes the rule as an important first step in obtaining adequate staffing in nursing homes, continued advocacy is necessary to ensure all residents receive high-quality nursing care.

Read Consumer Voice's summary of the rule.