Us Congress Senate Bill SJR91

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/24
• Refer: 6/4/24

Caption

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting".

Impact

If enacted, SJR91 would affect regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid programs directly related to staffing levels in long-term care facilities. Eliminating the proposed staffing standards could impact the care quality for elderly residents in these facilities by allowing for potentially lower staffing ratios. Advocates for SJR91 argue that these standards could impose undue burdens on facilities, leading to increased operational costs and reduced availability of services. However, opponents contend that the lack of enforced staffing standards could compromise patient care and safety, ultimately leading to negative outcomes for residents.

Summary

SJR91 is a joint resolution that aims to disapprove a rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. The resolution seeks to invoke the congressional disapproval process as outlined under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code. The rule in question, which was published in the Federal Register, proposes to set minimum staffing standards that long-term care facilities must adhere to, with the goal of enhancing the quality of care provided to residents. By disapproving this rule, SJR91 seeks to eliminate these proposed regulations entirely from taking effect.

Contention

The resolution has faced significant debate among lawmakers, with various stakeholders expressing conflicting views. Proponents of SJR91 believe that the proposed standards created by CMS are too rigid and could lead to unintended consequences, such as facility closures or workforce shortages. On the other hand, critics, including patient advocacy groups, argue that ensuring adequate staffing is crucial for maintaining patient safety and quality of care in long-term settings. The contention arises from the fundamental disagreement over how best to balance regulatory oversight with operational flexibility for care facilities.