Lawmakers, advocates bicker over updated regulations for nursing homes: A Critical Choice

(Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Federal regulations designed to protect residents in the nation's nursing homes are facing mounting pressure from Congress.

A group of 146 lawmakers has urged federal government officials to re-evaluate  revised standards in care centers, claiming some of the measures are excessive and are financial burdens for facility owners.

Advocates for residents have blasted the move. They said the regulations are needed, as the measures will expand care plans, offer greater freedom for residents, increase the amount of training for nurses and aides caring for residents with dementia and provide grievance officers to help handle complaints.

"This is a very concerted effort to undermine the basic protections for residents of nursing homes," said Richard Mollot, the executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, a national nonprofit based in New York City that aims to improve the care of residents in nursing homes.

A vast majority of the nation's more than 15,000 nursing homes accept some form of Medicare or Medicaid. To obtain it, the facilities must comply with the regulations in the Nursing Home Reform Law. The law went into effect in 1991.

Last year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revised the regulations, the first reworking of the standards in 25 years. Some of the changes went into effect last year, and others are to be completed over the next two years.   (Click to Continue)

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Lawmakers, advocates bicker over updated regulations for nursing homes: A Critical Choice