The Biden administration published regulations last month requiring most nursing homes to maintain specific staffing levels. As a result, roughly three in four nursing homes will have to hire additional personnel.
Progressives argue the rules will lead to better care. “For residents, this will mean more staff, which means fewer ER visits potentially, more independence,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “For families, it’s going to mean peace of mind in terms of your loved one being taken care of.”
But government diktats, however well-intentioned, won’t address the issues behind staffing shortages. Nursing homes have long had to contend with low reimbursement rates from Medicaid, which make it hard to attract and retain employees. Simply telling nursing homes to hire more staff won’t address that problem.
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