New Rules Address Minimum LTC Staffing, Home Care Worker Wages

Vice President Kamala Harris announced 2 final rules last month that aim to improve long-term care and home care services.

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule requires nursing homes that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding to provide a minimum of 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident per day, according to a White House news release. The requirements specify at least 0.55 hours of care from a registered nurse (RN) and 2.45 hours of care from a nurse aide per resident per day.

“This means a facility with 100 residents would need at least two or three RNs and at least 10 or 11 nurse aides as well as two additional nurse staff (which could be registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, or nurse aides) per shift to meet the minimum staffing standards,” the news release explained. “Many facilities would need to staff at a higher level based on their residents’ needs.”

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule also requires an RN to be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Meanwhile, the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services final rule requires at least 80% of Medicaid payments for home care services to go to worker wages.

“This policy would also allow states to take into account the unique experiences that small home care providers and providers in rural areas face while ensuring their employees receive their fair share of Medicaid payments and continued training as well as the delivery of quality care,” the White House news release stated.

In addition, states will be more transparent in how much they pay for home care services and how those rates are determined. States will also be required to create advisory groups that include beneficiaries, home care workers, and other key stakeholders to address provider payment rates and direct compensation for care staff.

Reference

Fact Sheet: Vice President Harris announces historic advancements in long-term care to support the care economy. News release. The White House; April 22, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/22/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-historic-advancements-in-long-term-care-to-support-the-care-economy/