Nursing homes
Senate Democrats' report calls for nursing home ownership transparency and stronger oversight
A Senate Finance Committee minority report released October 29 links complex ownership deals and understaffing to resident harm. Industry groups are divided over its proposals.
Key facts
- Senate Finance minority report released October 29.
- Calls for ownership transparency and staffing standards.
- About one-third of homes behind on annual inspections, it says.
What happened
Democrats on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released a minority staff report on Thursday, October 29, about nursing home finances, ownership and oversight. Skilled Nursing News and McKnight's Long-Term Care News reported on it October 30.
The report says some operators and investors used complex ownership and related-party arrangements that can move money away from resident care. It also points to understaffing, a backlog of state inspections, and limited resources for long-term care ombudsmen. Nearly one-third of nursing homes are behind on annual inspections, the report states, and about two-thirds of facilities that leave the federal Special Focus Facility program return to serious noncompliance within three years.
The four senators behind the report call for clearer ownership disclosure, stronger oversight and federal staffing standards. It is a minority report, not legislation, and Republicans and industry groups dispute parts of it. Industry trade groups have voiced different views on transparency rules and staffing mandates. Most nursing homes are not accused of wrongdoing in the report.
What it means for families
The report does not change any rules today, but it shows the questions families can ask any nursing home: who owns it, how it is staffed, and what its inspections found.
Ownership and inspection data are public on Medicare's Care Compare website.
Staffing levels and recent inspection reports are often better guides than a facility's tour.
Ombudsmen can help residents and families with problems at no cost.
New York already requires nursing homes to spend a share of revenue on direct resident care and to meet minimum staffing hours. Families can check any New York facility on the state Department of Health's Nursing Home Profiles site and on Care Compare.
What to do this week
- Look up a facility on Care Compare and NY DOH Nursing Home Profiles.
- Ask the administrator about weekend and night staffing.
- Contact the local long-term care ombudsman with any concern.
Sources
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