Protecting America’s Seniors’ Access to Care Act
Protecting America’s Seniors’ Access to Care Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of HR 1303: Protecting America's Seniors' Access to Care Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would block a new federal rule issued in May 2024 that sets minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (nursing homes and similar facilities). Specifically, it would prevent enforcement of requirements that nursing homes have a nurse on-site 24 hours a day and maintain an average of 3.48 nursing hours per resident daily. The bill would also block a requirement for states to report how much Medicaid money goes to direct care workers and support staff at these facilities. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts nursing home residents, particularly Medicare and Medicaid patients who rely on these programs for coverage.
It also affects nursing homes themselves, long-term care workers, and state Medicaid programs that would have had to implement the new reporting requirements. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. Supporters argue the staffing rule could increase costs and operational challenges for facilities, while opponents contend that minimum staffing standards are necessary to ensure quality care and resident safety.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting America’s Seniors’ Access to Care ActThis bill prohibits administration, implementation, or enforcement of the rule titled Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting, which was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on May 10, 2024. Specifically, the bill prohibits administration, implementation, or enforcement of provisions that, among other changes, (1) establish minimum staffing standards for nurses in Medicare and Medicaid long-term care facilities, including requiring a nurse to be onsite 24/7 and requiring a minimum of 3.48 total nurse staffing hours per resident per day; and (2) require state Medicaid programs to report on payments to direct care workers and support staff of nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.