The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on May 8 voted 25-18 to approve a bipartisan bill led by U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) that would ensure appropriate approval for certain skilled nursing and nursing aide training and competency evaluation programs under the Medicare and Medicaid program.
Specifically, the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act, H.R. 8244, which Rep. Estes sponsored on May 6 alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), would permit nursing homes to continue operating their in-house Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program even if they incur fines above a certain amount, so long as the fines are issued for reasons unrelated to direct resident care, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“This common-sense, bipartisan bill accounts for the current workforce challenges nursing homes face without compromising on a commitment to quality care for residents,” Rep. Estes said prior to the committee’s markup. “This bill ensures nursing homes continue to meet high standards without losing the staffing levels needed to provide high-quality care.”
The congressman also noted that H.R. 8244 would help meet a recently finalized staffing rule issued by the Biden administration.
“This markup couldn’t come at a better time now that the disastrous Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule has been finalized,” said Rep. Estes. “While I disagree with this rule, my bill will help nursing homes comply by allowing them to train the necessary staff to meet the rule’s requirements.”
H.R. 8244 still must pass out of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee before heading to the full chamber for action.