Advocacy and Policy

Recently, we have been disheartened by legislative actions that undermine efforts to improve staffing standards in nursing homes, particularly in Kansas. H.R. 5796 , co-sponsored by Representatives Tracey Mann, Jake LaTurner, and Ron Estes, seeks to disapprove a federal staffing standard minimum rule that would greatly benefit residents of nursing facilities. Similarly, S.3410 , co-sponsored by Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, aims to address the same issue in the Senate. If passed, these legislations would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing the final settings rule for minimum staffing in nursing facilities. The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule finalized on April 22nd will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day (hprd) of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hprd) and nurse aides (2.45 hprd). It will also require facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At the heart of this issue is the need for adequate staffing levels in nursing homes. Research consistently shows that higher staff-to-resident ratios lead to better outcomes for residents, including reduced rates of infections, fewer falls, and improved overall quality of life. By opposing the implementation of a federal staffing standard minimum rule, these legislators are failing to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable older adults in Kansas and across the nation. Additionally, it's disappointing to see the nursing home industry diverting attention away from the real issue at hand. Instead of lobbying against essential staffing regulations, they should be directing their efforts towards hiring and retaining qualified staff, ensuring fair wages, and creating supportive work environments. Working in a nursing facility is a skilled job that deserves respect, and addressing the staff shortage requires dedicated time and attention. However, amidst these challenges, we find hope in the actions of the Biden administration and advocacy organizations who have pushed for measures to improve staffing standards in nursing homes. We applaud their commitment to addressing this critical issue and urge them to continue their efforts. In Kansas, the Medicaid program spends $95,000-$108,000 annually per resident for often sub-standard care. The state allocates approximately $862 million to long-term care facilities, yet Kansas ranks 46th in addressing the shortage of nurses and nurse aides. Taxpayers deserve greater value for their money, and older Kansans deserve improved long-term care options given the consistently poor performance of many in this industry. We cannot afford to ignore this problem any longer. To effectively address the staffing shortage problem in Kansas, we must also look to other states for guidance and best practices. By learning from successful initiatives implemented elsewhere, we can tailor solutions to suit the unique needs of our state's long-term care facilities. Furthermore, it's crucial to foster a collaborative effort that includes the voices of long-term care residents and staff in these discussions. By actively involving those directly impacted by staffing challenges, we can develop more comprehensive and effective strategies to ensure quality care for all individuals in nursing homes. We encourage our readers to act. Contact your Kansas Congressional delegates and share your stories about why staffing is critical to improving quality metrics across the board. Your voices matter, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless individuals in long-term care facilities.

The latest data from the Long-Term Care Community Coalition paints a troubling picture of the prevalence of antipsychotic drug use among nursing home residents nationwide. Shockingly, over 250,000 residents are being administered these dangerous drugs, often without clinical justification. Antipsychotic drugs are too frequently used as chemical restraints, particularly among individuals with dementia or dementia-related diagnoses. Instead of receiving the services they are entitled to under federal law to live comfortably, residents are being sedated, robbing them of their autonomy and quality of life. Antipsychotics are drugs that are used to treat symptoms of psychosis such as delusions (for example, hearing voices), hallucinations, paranoia, or confused thoughts. They are used in the treatment of schizophrenia , severe depression and severe anxiety . In Kansas, the situation is no less alarming. Approximately 117 nursing facilities out of 300 in our state have 20% or more of their residents on antipsychotic medication. CMS Region 7 (serves Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas) had the highest regional rate (24.7%). This misuse of medication not only violates the rights of residents but also puts their health and well-being at risk with potentially severe consequences. Antipsychotic drugs are associated with a host of adverse outcomes in older adults, including heart attacks, strokes, Parkinsonism, falls, and even death. It is clear that the overuse of these drugs constitutes a serious threat to the safety and dignity of nursing home residents. Furthermore, the data from the Long-Term Care Community Coalition underscores the need for increased oversight and accountability within the long-term care industry. The fact that non-risk-adjusted data show such a high prevalence of antipsychotic drug use, coupled with a significant increase in potentially fraudulent schizophrenia diagnoses ( 194% increase between 2015 and 2019 ), is deeply concerning. In the " Final Report of the Kansas Senior Care Task Force to the 2023 Kansas Legislature ", the Kansas Senior Care Task Force, consisting of legislative and non-legislative members, recommended leveraging technology to connect highly specialized geriatric psychiatric prescribers across the state for consultation. The task force also recommended improving upon existing standard training and education by providing targeted education for surveyors, direct care workers, providers, prescribers, long-term care providers and caregivers on the use of prescribed psychotropic medication for older adults with dementia or geriatric behavior health conditions. We encourage all individuals to utilize the data provided by the Long-Term Care Community Coalition. In the data spreadsheet, you can filter by state and county. Thank you for your ongoing support in our mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of those in long-term care. Alarming Rate of Antipsychotic Drugging in US Nursing Homes

The 2024 Kansas Legislature kicks off its 2024 session on January 8 with decisions about the state’s budget in general, funding special education, a proposed flat tax and Medicaid expansion looming large.