CMS New Rule: LTC Staffing and Payment Transparency

The Center of Medicare and Medicaid (“CMS”) has finalized significant new nursing staff standards for all nursing homes. The new rule will require each nursing facility to satisfy specific staffing and on-site criteria. It will also require states to change their reporting system to reflect the percentage of Medicaid payments that directly compensate care workers and support staff at nursing facilities. The final rule, published on May 10, 2024, is set to be effective on June 21, 2024. While the goal of this new rule is to aim to significantly reduce the risk of residents receiving unsafe and possible low-quality care within nursing facilities, several commenters have already noted implementation hurdles that all operators should be aware of.