January 28, 2026 – CMS is moving to repeal federal minimum staffing standards for nursing homes – an action that would weaken one of the most important resident safety protections in decades. Today, the Long Term Care Community Coalition (LTCCC) submitted comments strongly opposing this repeal. Our comments explain that chronic understaffing is not an isolated problem or an unavoidable workforce challenge. It is a widespread, long-documented failure that places residents at constant risk of neglect, abuse, and preventable suffering.
Drawing on decades of oversight research, federal staffing data, and real-world examples from our Elder Justice Newsletter, LTCCC urges CMS to rescind the repeal and reaffirm its obligation under the Nursing Home Reform Law to ensure that nursing home residents receive safe, dignified, and humane care.
You can read our full comment letter below.
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