The articles I have read say it's an unfunded dream list of requirements that are expected to have an overall negative impact on elder care. Currently, nursing facilities are required to have an RN on duty at least 8 hours a day; the new law will require 24 hour RN coverage. Additionally requirements for LPNs and CNAs too - about a 25% increase in staff. NHs are having difficulty in acquiring staff now, where are they supposed to hire the additional 21,000+ medically certified workers? Will the cost of NH care increase 25-50% to pay for this? Who will foot the bill?
While I agree increased staffing is desirable, they must be some funding mechanism for such increases; not just a new list of requirements! My father's MC had an RN on site 24 hours a day, but the lead nurses in the different wings were usually LPNs and there were a number of volunteers and workers with no medical certification at all used for things like helping with meals, cleaning chores, and activities (music, some crafts, movie night, porch sitting, etc). I thought Dad had good care and the facility was well run with a lot less worker turnover than nearby facilities. Smaller homes serving 8-12 people would have a harder time with these requirements.
I would rather see more funding based on the ratio of certified medical resources per resident or the total number of hours from all caregivers per patient. You may not need a certification to do laundry or cook lunch, but they are important chores to a comfortable living. Better funding for maintaining people in their homes (perhaps a daily visit or a daily check-in call?) would make a good impact too. Our local fire departments and police departments have started a daily check-in call list for seniors.
Originally they wanted $400. Bill has only $150B. If and when it passes Senate the amount may change. Elder advocates in my state want many of the things you’ve mentioned, but elders are not a priority to most legislators. They always smile and agree when you meet with them, but then what they introduce doesn’t say much about elders.
All facets haven’t been determined. Part of it strengthening pay so that home care aides stay in their jobs. The bill hasn’t passed the Senate and more changes could be made there. I’m going to a conference in a couple of weeks. Hopefully more information will be available. JMO but I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a deal. Just a bone to throw at elders to offset criticism of how much money is being allocated for preschool, childcare, etc.
I was wondering the same thing as MJ1929, although I admit that I don't follow politics as much as I used to. I got tired of the headaches they caused.
While I agree increased staffing is desirable, they must be some funding mechanism for such increases; not just a new list of requirements! My father's MC had an RN on site 24 hours a day, but the lead nurses in the different wings were usually LPNs and there were a number of volunteers and workers with no medical certification at all used for things like helping with meals, cleaning chores, and activities (music, some crafts, movie night, porch sitting, etc). I thought Dad had good care and the facility was well run with a lot less worker turnover than nearby facilities. Smaller homes serving 8-12 people would have a harder time with these requirements.
I would rather see more funding based on the ratio of certified medical resources per resident or the total number of hours from all caregivers per patient. You may not need a certification to do laundry or cook lunch, but they are important chores to a comfortable living. Better funding for maintaining people in their homes (perhaps a daily visit or a daily check-in call?) would make a good impact too. Our local fire departments and police departments have started a daily check-in call list for seniors.