Thank You, Policymakers

“I am disappointed that the Biden Admin recently finalized new burdensome federal staffing mandates for long-term care facilities that will unfortunately force many rural nursing homes in [Oklahoma] to shut their doors. I have pushed back against this for months.”

“As a member of the Senate Aging Committee, I’ve heard firsthand from nursing homes across Nebraska about staffing challenges. This Biden rule doesn’t fix that, it makes it worse! It will force smaller & rural facilities to close completely — leaving seniors in these areas with nowhere to go.”

“Today CMS published the final rule mandating new long-term care facility staffing requirements. Last year, I led a bipartisan letter expressing concern over CMS’ misguided approach. This flawed rule will reduce access to care for seniors & veterans.”

“I have serious concerns that the Biden Administration’s one-size-fits-all staffing mandate will be unworkable for rural nursing homes. While well-intentioned, the burdensome requirement fails to address concerns I’ve heard from local providers in Montana.”

“We need to help our seniors and make sure they are receiving the best care. [The Vice President’s] proposal does not solve the nursing home crisis and threatens more nursing homes to shut down.”

“Long-term care workers are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet they face low wages and tough conditions. My legislation, the Nursing Home Workforce Support & Expansion Act, would improve wages and conditions, helping to retain skilled staff and attract new talent.”

“As communities across America face workforce shortages, [the] government should support innovative solutions, not threaten to exacerbate nursing home closures with arbitrary mandates. See my remarks in [the] Ways and Means GOP on the Protecting America’s Seniors’ Access to Care Act.”

“I urge CMS to fully consider possible adverse consequences for residents in LTC facilities that are not able to meet the higher standards set in your proposal. Especially the implications of a violation of the new standards resulting in the closure of facility on residents who are unable to relocate and find the care they may need.”

“This misguided rule will devastate nursing homes across this country and worsen the staffing shortages we are already facing.”