c Abt Associates, the CMS contractor conducting the study, gave a brief overview of study components, then used the majority of the 90 minute session for stakeholder feedback. Stakeholders providing feedback included families of nursing home residents, consumer advocacy groups, union representatives, providers, and provider associations including LeadingAge. Workforce was a top concern noted by many commenters and there was a resounding message that residents deserve quality care that can’t be provided when the people aren’t there. A few commenters noted the importance of funding staffing requirements through improved reimbursement, while many more noted that if the Biden Administration and CMS are truly committed to quality staffing, more collaboration is needed to produce a viable workforce from which to draw. If you attended the session, please send your feedback on how it went to Rachel at Rachel@leadingagekansas.org.
