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Source link : https://usa-news.biz/2024/10/10/north-dakota/north-dakota-takes-bold-step-joins-lawsuit-challenging-controversial-24-hour-nursing-home-staffing-rule/

North Dakota Joins Coalition Against New Medicaid Staffing Mandate

FARGO — The state of North Dakota has aligned itself​ with a coalition ‌of 20 other states in a legal challenge against a recent ⁣rule imposed by the Centers for‌ Medicare and Medicaid Services‍ (CMS). This regulation mandates that ​nursing⁢ homes provide 24-hour staffing, a significant increase from the eight hours of continuous care mandated by Congress.⁢ This action​ was announced​ in a release on October 9 from North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley’s office.

Impact on Nursing Home Operations

The proposed ⁢rule‌ requires‍ not only around-the-clock staffing but also an elevated ratio⁤ of nursing staff to residents. According to the release, ‍”97% of nursing homes would fail ​to meet this standard”. The lawsuit emphasizes that ‍such regulations​ could jeopardize the very ​existence of numerous care ⁤facilities‌ that are already⁢ facing⁢ operational difficulties. “This​ final rule ‌threatens the survival of​ many nursing homes, forcing those struggling to potentially ⁤close their doors and leaving patients without adequate options,” states the complaint.

Concerns for Rural Care Facilities

The new regulations are expected to disproportionately affect rural care‌ centers. ​Wrigley ​remarked, “A coalition of ​twenty states has come ‌together to resist what we view as overreach ​by the⁣ Biden-Harris Administration, ‌which is ⁢likely⁣ to ⁢compromise patient care and limit ⁤access⁣ as more facilities are driven ⁢out of business.”

Support​ from State Leadership

Nebraska Governor ‌Doug Burgum expressed⁣ his endorsement for Wrigley’s involvement in this lawsuit. He emphasized North Dakota’s ongoing⁢ initiatives aimed at enhancing care quality within skilled nursing facilities across the state. “Federal directives like this one neglecting the distinct challenges faced by ‌North Dakota and similar⁤ rural areas could exacerbate existing workforce shortages in a sector already strained⁢ post-pandemic,” Burgum stated in his⁢ announcement.

A Bipartisan Legal ⁢Effort

This legal endeavor is spearheaded by Kansas ‌Attorney General Kris Kobach along with Iowa’s Brenna Bird‌ and‍ South Carolina’s Alan Wilson. Additional support comes from attorneys ⁢general representing⁤ Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho,⁣ Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah Virginia,, and West Virginia.

The post North Dakota Takes Bold Step: Joins Lawsuit Challenging Controversial 24-Hour Nursing Home Staffing Rule! first appeared on USA NEWS.

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Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT

Publish date : 2024-10-10 07:27:37

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