CMS Administrator Announces $75 Million Initiative to Tackle Nationwide Nursing Home Staff Shortage

Washington, D.C. – Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has announced a significant federal investment of over $75 million aimed at alleviating the critical shortage of qualified nursing home staff across the United States. The initiative seeks to train and retain essential nursing personnel to ensure high-quality care for residents.

Dr. Oz revealed the comprehensive plan, stating his direct engagement with state leadership. "We have a shortage of qualified nursing home staff in every state in America, and that must change now," Dr. Oz said in a recent social media post. "I’ve reached out to all 50 governors with an opportunity to tackle this issue and letting them know that CMS is investing over $75 million to train and keep the nurses we need to care for residents."

This substantial investment underscores the federal government's commitment to addressing a long-standing challenge within the long-term care sector. Recent data indicates that nearly all U.S. nursing homes, approximately 99%, are grappling with staffing shortages, leading to significant operational strains and limitations on new admissions. Over half of nursing homes, 58%, have been forced to limit new resident intake due to insufficient staff.

The $75 million campaign, first announced in September 2023, is designed to provide financial incentives, such as tuition reimbursement, for nurses who commit to working in qualifying nursing homes or state inspection agencies. Additionally, it aims to streamline the process for individuals to become nurse aides, expanding the pipeline of direct care workers. Financial incentives are anticipated to begin distribution in 2025.

The initiative complements CMS's broader efforts to improve nursing home quality, including new minimum staffing standards finalized in April 2024. These standards mandate a total of 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident day, including specific requirements for registered nurses and nurse aides, along with a 24/7 registered nurse presence. The federal funding is crucial to help facilities meet these impending requirements and ensure residents receive consistent, high-quality care.