Schakowsky Leads Group of 32 Members of Congress Urging Federal Nursing Home Regulators to Strengthen Proposed Rules

Press Release

Proposed updates to federal nursing home standards must be strengthened before they are finalized in order to ensure seniors are safe, a group of 32 Representatives said today in a letter (attached) to Andrew Slavitt, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

"The stories of abuse and neglect in nursing home are heartbreaking. With regulators updating the standards for the first time in decades, they must put stronger safeguards in place," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "CMS's proposed rule makes several positive reforms, but we believe there are serious issues left unaddressed. The agency should strengthen its rule to protect seniors and ensure nursing homes are accountable for the quality of care they provide."

Last year, CMS proposed updated standards for nursing homes that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding, the first major update of the rules in 25 years. The agency has indicated that it intends to finalize the rule in September.

"While the rule includes many positive provisions, we wish to highlight critical issues that must be resolved in the final rule to truly ensure the care and safety of this vulnerable population," the letter says.

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