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What is the minimum staffing mandate rule? An Explanation

In April 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule to address chronic understaffing in long-term care facilities, which has been linked to poor resident outcomes. This initiative brought the question of what is the minimum staffing mandate rule to the forefront, creating new federal standards for nursing homes that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. The rule aimed to enhance patient care and safety by requiring a specific number of nursing hours per resident day and 24/7 onsite registered nurse coverage.