Congress to Review Protecting Seniors Access to Care Act and Other Long-Term Care Bills

The battle over federal nursing home staffing requirements continues as the Protecting Seniors Access to Care Act gets another hearing in Congress on Tuesday. This legislation aims to prevent the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from enforcing its newly issued minimum staffing requirements, which many providers view as unrealistic and unattainable.

With the first provision of the rule set to take effect on August 10, providers are scrambling to find a solution to the staffing mandate that they believe will result in reduced access to care for those who need it most. The bill has already gained support from the House Ways and Means Committee and has a companion bill in the Senate, but the bipartisan divide in Congress poses a challenge for its passage.

In addition to the Protecting Seniors Access to Care Act, other long-term care and workforce-related bills will also be discussed during the hearing. Provider groups are exploring multiple avenues to combat the staffing mandate, including the use of the Congressional Review Act to revoke the policy made by administrative agencies.

As the fight against the staffing mandate intensifies, advocates are looking for elected officials willing to champion their cause and are pushing for federal legislation that could provide much-needed support and resources to the long-term care sector. The hearing on Tuesday will be a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to voice their concerns and push for a solution to the staffing crisis facing nursing homes across the country.