WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement today regarding a new provision in the Build Back Better Act (
H.R. 5376) that would require nursing homes to have a registered nurse (RN) on-staff at all times.
The statement is attributable to Clif Porter, senior vice president of government relations at AHCA/NCAL.
“We are ardent supporters of having a registered nurse on-staff in nursing homes 24 hours a day; we originally proposed it in our
reform agenda earlier this year. However, the provision currently drafted in the House version of the budget reconciliation bill is an unfunded mandate that fails to offer any support to nursing homes.
“A historic workforce and economic crisis is already impacting access to care for vulnerable seniors. Long term care providers are being forced to limit admissions and even close their doors. Without funding and coordinated efforts to attract more caregivers to the long term care profession, this provision will further limit access to care for millions.
“This is a complex issue with serious implications, and it requires proper deliberation through the traditional committee review process. Lawmakers should remove this provision from the reconciliation package and give this matter the thorough consideration it deserves. We look forward to working with members of Congress to meet our common goal.”
ABOUT AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit ahcancal.org.