HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Hosts Roundtable on Nursing Home Reforms

Strategic Insights -

On March 30, 2022, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra led a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to explore President Biden's proposals for nursing home reforms. The meeting focused on implementing new staffing requirements, developing workforce retention strategies, and expanding COVID-19 booster shot access. Attendees, representing various advocacy groups, industry leaders, and long-term care ombudsmen, emphasized the importance of prioritizing resident care and staff well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The roundtable discussed the positive correlation between higher staffing levels and improved care quality in nursing homes, with data-driven examples illustrating the benefits of increased staffing.
  • Secretary Becerra and participants highlighted the significance of investing in staff development to enhance nurse retention in nursing homes.
  • The group emphasized the need to create a culture that prioritizes resident care and acknowledges the value of nursing home staff, rather than viewing them as part of a workforce.
  • The meeting built upon the Biden-Harris Administration's and HHS's commitment to improving nursing home conditions using data-driven solutions.
  • The discussion aimed to stimulate progress on implementing President Biden's February 18 proposals, reiterated during the State of the Union address.
  • National Association of State Ombudsman Programs (NASOP), Consumer Voice, Center for Medicare Advocacy, American Health Care Association/ National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), LeadingAge, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) were among the organizations represented at the roundtable.
  • A culture shift towards prioritizing care and acknowledging staff value is crucial for bolstering nurse retention and improving care quality in nursing homes.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 nursing home staff members will leave their job each year (SEIU study).
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began uploading staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels for nursing homes on Medicare.gov on January 2022.
  • The Medicare.gov Care Compare website will continue to display this data, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in nursing home staffing practices.

Sources:

  • March 30, 2022, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra hosts roundtable on nursing home reforms
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), posting staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels for nursing homes on Medicare.gov on January 2022.
  • (Syndigate.info) .
  • (Albawaba.com, provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.)