EP182: How Nursing Homes Put Profit Before Patients

This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD

"Many nursing homes are owned by private equity firms that modify operations to maximize profits."

—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN

Nursing homes provide essential care for older adults who need more help than family and friends can give. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 200,000 residents and staff died, exposing serious problems in these facilities.

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced new rules to improve nurse staffing for the 1.2 million older adults who call nursing homes "home" who are both short-stay residents needing rehabilitation and long-stay residents. However, the nursing home industry are opposing these changes.

SUPPORT ADEQUATE NURSE STAFFING IN NURSING HOMES

Just as you would promise never to place a loved one in a poorly managed nursing home, supporting adequate nurse staffing can ensure higher quality care. Many tragedies in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic could have been mitigated with better staffing. Adequate nurse staffing ensures you and your loved one have a safer experience.

UNDERSTAND THE NEW CMS RULES

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a new rule on nurse staffing standards in nursing homes. The key requirement is that at least one registered nurse be on duty 24/7. This rule aims to improve the quality of care and reduce preventable safety events.

KNOW THE OPPOSITION

The nursing home industry has launched efforts to block these new staffing standards, citing financial constraints. Understanding these oppositions helps you advocate for better care and transparency in nursing home operations.

SUPPORT LEGISLATION FOR TRANSPARENCY

Financial transparency is crucial. Many nursing homes are privately owned and divert funds meant for resident care into their profits. The CMS rule also includes financial transparency requirements to track how funds are spent, ensuring they are used for direct care.

ADVOCATE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

In 2024, two joint resolutions were introduced in Congress (H.J.Res.139/ S.J.Res.91) and two bills (H.R. 7513/ S. 3410 ) to not only overturn the rule but to prevent any administration from ever developing any staffing standards.

By writing to your representatives and opposing bills like H.R. 7513 and S.3410 and these Joint Resolutions, you can help protect the standards that ensure safe and quality care in nursing homes.

Your advocacy can prevent the nursing home industry from putting profits ahead of care.

By following these steps, you'll ensure a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable environment for nursing home residents.

RESOURCES

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About MelissaBPhD

Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families.

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