We’re reaching out to ask you to take action TODAY that can impact the quality of care your loved ones receive in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities now and in the future.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed a ground-breaking set of Minimum Staffing Standards to help minimize the risk of unsafe care in LTC facilities.

Why this is important

Without federal staffing standards, many dedicated nursing home workers face exhaustion and unsafe conditions, while residents don’t receive the quality care they deserve.

What the rule entails

  • Registered Nurse on Site, 24/7
  • 33 minutes of nurse’s time per patient daily
  • 2.5 hours of certified nursing assistant care for every resident daily
  • One certified nursing assistant for every 10 residents

It is critical that the new rule covers both registered nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). CNAs are the unsung heroes, often women of color, who provide essential care in nursing homes and Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).

What you can do

Make a public comment by October 29th. This is your chance to help shape the future of care in LTC facilities.

LEAVE A COMMENT

How to comment

The best comments are short and personal. If you, your family, or other loved ones currently receive care in a nursing home, share your story when you leave your comment.

If you believe you’ll need nursing home care in the future, mention in your comment that you want to ensure a healthy and safe environment and quality care, which requires sufficient staffing.

You can also emphasize these points in your comment:

  • How high patient loads lead to burnout and exhaustion for direct care workers.
  • The need for sufficient staffing to ensure a safe and healthy environment for patients.
  • The importance of improving the quality of jobs and quality of care in nursing homes.
  • How clear, mandated staffing rules could help stabilize the workforce.
  • What level of staffing you think is needed to ensure the best care for residents — right now, DHHS is considering a staffing ratio of 10 residents for every one Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

LEAVE A COMMENT

This is a historic opportunity to influence positive reform in the long-term care industry. Let’s ensure every patient receives the care they deserve.

Thank you for being part of this critical movement!

Advocacy Team
National Domestic Workers Alliance