WASHINGTON-- AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services final rule that requires America's nursing homes to have enough staff to provide the high-quality care that residents expect and need. 

“For years, AARP has fought to ensure the health and safety of every person living in a nursing home. CMS’s long overdue rule to require minimum staffing levels in America’s nursing homes will help protect the basic rights of residents to live in dignity. It is shameful that nursing homes receiving taxpayer dollars through Medicaid and Medicare haven’t been required to provide quality care through specific minimum staffing standards until now. Far too many residents and families have experienced tragic consequences because of poorly staffed facilities. AARP commends CMS for requiring nursing homes to meet important staffing standards, including having a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   

“Ultimately, ensuring nursing homes are adequately staffed will improve the quality of care residents receive and can give family caregivers peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are living with the quality of life they deserve.” 

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

For more information: Ilse Zuniga, izuniga@aarp.org, 202-434-2560