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The Long-Term Care Community Coalition, an advocacy group for improved nursing home care, recently released its quarterly report on the staffing levels for every skilled nursing facility (SNF)in the United States. This data, accessible to the public, show that U.S. SNFs, on average, delivered only 3.75 hours of nursing care per resident per day, well below the 4.95 hours expected based on resident acuity. Resident acuity refers to the level of care necessary based on the unique medical and nursing needs of the patient. Expected staffing levels outlined in the report are assessed using a new, evidence-based case-mix adjustment methodology that accounts for the specific care needs of residents as identified by the facilities themselves.
“The significant staffing shortfall is more than just a statistic,” said Richard Mollot, LTCCC’s Executive Director, “it reflects the daily reality of thousands of vulnerable residents enduring avoidable pain and neglect simply because too many nursing homes are not being held accountable for meeting even basic care standards. Caring for our elders is a privilege and should not be treated as a business opportunity to bankroll mega-mansions and yachts.”
Staffing facts and statistics for the 4th Quarter of 2024 include the following
- The average SNF in U.S. provided 3.75 total nurse staff hours per resident day (HPRD), including 0.61 RN HPRD.
- The staffing expectation model, based on each facility’s case-mix index (CMI), shows that 90.2% of nursing homes reported staffing levels below their expected HPRD.
- 36% of facilities reported zero (0) presence of a medical director, despite federal requirements that a medical director oversee the quality of clinical care provided in every facility.
- The average facility provided less than ½ minute per resident day of a mental health service worker’s time.
It should come as no surprise that a lack of adequate staffing is associated with increased harm being suffered by nursing home residents, explains nursing home abuse attorney Jeffrey J. Downey. Lack of proper staffing results in an increased incidence of pressure wounds, falls causing fractures, malnutrition, dehydration, impaction, resident neglect and wrongful death. While decreases in staffing were common during the Covid 19 pandemic, these reports suggest that facilities have still not rebounded to the staffing levels necessary for good patient care. Under the Federal Regulations, skilled nursing facilities are required to provide adequate staffing, with proper training to meet the resident’s total care needs. Unfortunately, most facilities are not in compliance with that regulatory standard, which can found at 42 C.F.R. 483.10 et seq, explains Downey.
Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey for a free consultation at 703-564-7318. Attorney Downey has over 35 years of experience handling malpractice claims. The firm handles cases in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.
Or send an email to Jdowney@jeffdowney.com
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