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CMS Excluded LPNs from Proposed Nursing Home Staffing Regulations

The recent announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed nursing home staffing regulations has sparked discussions and concerns within the healthcare community. One particular topic is the exclusion of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) from the proposed regulations.

If the proposed regulations are not altered to include LPNs after the comment period, nursing home facilities may face challenges. One potential outcome could be the reclassification of LPNs as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). This could result in a pay cut for LPNs, as CNAs typically receive lower wages. Alternatively, facilities may need to consider supporting LPNs in obtaining the additional education required to become Registered Nurses.

It is important to note that the comment period for these proposed regulations is still ongoing, and stakeholders have until November 1 to provide feedback and suggestions. Just like the recent proposed accommodations for disabled patients by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the outcome of the comment period for the nursing home staffing regulations will be one to watch closely.

Excluding LPNs from the proposal undervalues the clinicians and “demonstrates how minimum staffing requirements are inherently flawed and archaic health care policy,” the American Health Care Association said in a statement.

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