The Biden administration has proposed a rule that would require nursing homes to hire minimum numbers of front-line caregivers in an effort to address long-standing complaints about neglect and abuse in the industry. The rule, if implemented, would make good on a promise President Biden made in his 2022 State of the Union speech. However, the proposed staffing levels have disappointed many advocates for better care in nursing homes.

Under the proposed rule, each resident would need to receive 2.45 hours of care from a nurse aide per day, as well as 0.55 hours of care from a registered nurse. While this falls short of the optimal level of 4.1 hours per day recommended by a government study two decades ago, it is still a step towards improving care.

Industry trade groups have pushed back against the proposed rule, citing severe staff shortages and the cost of meeting mandatory staff levels. However, the government estimates that around 75% of nursing homes will need to increase staffing to meet the requirements.

Critics fear that the proposed rule does not go far enough and will only enshrine mediocre levels of care. They argue that higher staffing levels are needed to ensure the well-being and safety of nursing home residents.

The proposed rule will now enter a public comment period before it can be finalized.