In an attempt to decentralize power, the budget bills drafted by both houses of Congress would repeal tough federal standards on nursing home care. The industry has not formally asked for a repeal of the standards enacted in 1987 after a study by the National Academy of Science found that “shockingly deficient care” in some homes mandated federal intervention. The Federal standards regulate nurse-to-patient ratios and mandate treatment standards which do not allow staff to tie down or drug patients. Under the new plans, states would create and enforce their own standards, which could be far less stringent than current federal standards. Women, who comprise approximately 75% of all nursing home patients, will be disproportionally affected by the repeal.
Uncategorized
