Upton’s bipartisan bill increases infection control funds for skilled nursing facilities

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) on June 18 introduced bipartisan legislation that would provide an additional $210 million for quality and infection control support for skilled nursing facilities.

“Today’s bipartisan bill will provide the necessary support our nursing homes need to provide a safe environment for both residents and caregivers,” the congressman said.

Rep. Upton is an original cosponsor of the Infection Control Training and Support Act, H.R. 7254, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) and cosponsor U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), to provide additional resources for nursing homes to enhance quality of care and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies.

“Nursing homes have been disproportionately impacted during the coronavirus crisis – here in southwest Michigan and across the nation,” Rep. Upton said. “Nearly one-third of COVID-19 deaths in Kalamazoo County and almost three-fourths of COVID-19 deaths in Berrien County have been residents of long-term care centers. That’s tragic. Our seniors are among the most vulnerable and in our society, and we must do more to better care for their safety.”

If enacted, H.R. 7254 would amend the Social Security Act to require the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide $210 million through the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization Program to skilled nursing facilities struggling with infection control, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Upton’s office.

The bill has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.