In a Facebook live event sponsored by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Secretary Becerra said: “We are here because so many of you made the demand, quite honestly, the push to make sure that we establish real standards … that in the law … we have something that says we are going to provide quality, quality care for residents but also a quality environment for the folks who do the work.”
Secretary Becerra noted President Biden’s commitment to improving care and highlighted their pioneering efforts to impose staffing standards, a first for a presidential administration. He went on to encourage union members to add their comments to the proposed rule saying: “We need to hear from you because when we put out the final rule, we want to make sure it has incorporated all the voices of people who understand what it means to have quality nursing care for all of our residents and all the people that we love.” The proposed rule makes significant space for unions, including possibly allowing their participation in the development of the enhanced facility assessment process.
Becerra recognized the efforts of some nursing homes saying, “they are doing fairly well” and “offering high-quality care,” but he went on to say that others continue to drop the ball because they are understaffed. Mr. Becerra assured the virtual gathering that the proposed exemptions would allow providers to deal with hiring hardships. These waivers would work in tandem with the HHS workforce staffing campaign.
Find the recording of the virtual event here. LeadingAge members should act to ensure that all points of view are heard when CMS reviews the comments submitted on the proposed staffing standards. Members can use this Action Alert (and the Comment Guide) to submit comments.
