(Dec. 3, 2025) - Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services repealed the Minimum Staffing Standards for the Long-Term Care Facilities rule that was finalized in April 2024.
The staffing rule would have required all nursing facilities to meet minimum quantitative staffing levels for registered nurses and nurse aides, including having an RN onsite 24/7. The Kansas Hospital Association previously expressed concern over the staffing requirement, especially at a time when health care facilities face workforce challenges and shortages of nursing professionals.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) passed by Congress this past summer paused the implementation of the staffing rule for ten years, and this week’s repeal by CMS fully rescinds the staffing mandate.