Pulaski Times

Long-term care and senior living in the United States are undergoing significant changes as more Americans enter advanced age. This demographic shift is expected to place additional strain on nursing homes and the existing network serving this population, highlighting the importance of supporting rather than hindering industry preparations for this surge.

"Like me, most Arkansans know loved ones in their circle of family and friends who have required the extensive care these facilities provide," a concerned citizen stated. "It is a reality that comes with some anxiety but also hope that happy and fulfilling days can still be possible with access to the right services and support."

In April, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule imposing new requirements for nurse staffing levels in these care settings. Currently, only six percent of facilities in Arkansas meet these standards, which exceed existing benchmarks in nearly all states.

This unfunded federal mandate could jeopardize access to quality care and services for many seniors today and into the future. The problem is particularly acute for facilities in rural areas across the country, such as Arkansas, because increased staffing levels will lead to higher costs. This may result in many nursing homes limiting resident numbers or closing due to labor shortages.

Both the American Health Care Association and its chapter in Arkansas have expressed concerns about this proposal, warning of its detrimental impact.

"My colleagues and I are committed to pushing back against this misguided regulation," said a senator involved in challenging the CMS mandate. "We aim to protect families' and caregivers’ ability to find or remain in settings they trust."

The senator joined a bipartisan group of over two dozen senators challenging the CMS mandate through a letter to the agency’s administrator last year and by signing onto a Congressional Review Act measure that would overturn the rule. This legislative vehicle offers an expedited procedure requiring only a majority vote to pass.

Despite facing challenges, long-term care and senior living facilities in Arkansas continue finding ways to overcome them. Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith addresses nurse staffing shortages practically by housing an onsite education center for certified nursing assistants and medication technicians. This model creates an environment fostering education and training for future healthcare professionals while meeting residents' needs.

The nursing shortage began before 2020 but was exacerbated by the pandemic, with approximately 100,000 registered nurses leaving the profession within two years. Another 610,000 RNs reported an "intent to leave" by 2027 due to stress, burnout, and retirement, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

"This is clearly an urgent problem we need to continue working to address," said another senator involved. "My colleagues and I share the administration’s goal of ensuring adequate staffing levels to improve care quality for seniors. However, a one-size-fits-all approach will do more harm than good."

Efforts will continue across party lines because "our seniors deserve our utmost respect," emphasized another official involved. Empowering each state through partnerships with caregivers and families remains crucial.