House Republicans have introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes.
Under requirements announced last month, all nursing homes receiving federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid must have a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, per resident per day. Must provide at least 3.48 hours of nursing care.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that the rule will cost nursing homes $43 billion over the next 10 years.
Industry groups say the move sets impossible standards and will only exacerbate existing staffing shortages.
The measure is supported by LeadingAge, a prominent industry group representing nonprofits that provide services to the elderly, including nursing homes, and is supported by Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) and Rep. Greg Pence (R-Minn.). It was introduced earlier this week by the Republican Party of Indiana.
“The HHS nursing staff mandate is a half-baked, one-size-fits-all plan that will not solve the nursing staff shortage,” Fishbach said in a statement. “I am committed to holding the government accountable and am proud to introduce this CRA to reverse potentially devastating policies.”
The rule has bipartisan opposition, particularly among some Democratic front-line members who face re-election challenges in 2024. These lawmakers, mostly from rural areas, say the rules are too strict and will force nursing homes to close.
Even if the resolution passes, President Biden has the option of vetoing it. However, the rule is still likely to face legal challenges from industry groups.
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