CMS Proposed Rule on LTC minimum staffing requirements

Proposed rule for federal minimum staffing

The proposed rule consists of three core staffing proposals:

1. minimum nurse staffing standards of 0.55 hours per resident day (HPRD) for Registered Nurses (RNs) and 2.45 HPRD for Nurse Aides (NAs);

2. a requirement to have an RN onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

3. enhanced facility assessment requirements.

The proposed rule also includes a staggered implementation approach and possible hardship exemptions for select facilities.