[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE NURSING HOME STAFFING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2002

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                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Nursing Home 
Staffing Improvement Act of 2002.
  In March of this year, HHS provided Congress with the results of a 
decade-long study on staffing in our nation's nursing homes. HHS 
researchers concluded that 90% of nursing homes have staffing levels 
that are too low to provide adequate care. The researchers also 
identified specific minimum staffing levels that would substantially 
improve the quality of care received by nursing home residents.
  The Bush Administration has chosen not to implement these much needed 
minimum staffing levels, even going so far as to limit public 
distribution of the study. In order to ensure that this important 
research is not ignored, the Nursing Home Staffing Improvement Act of 
2002 would establish the minimum nurse staffing levels identified by 
HHS researchers.
  The bill requires that nursing-homes comply with HHS-identified 
staffing levels for registered nurses, licensed nurses, and certified 
nurse aides. These staffing levels would require that all nursing home 
residents receive between 4.1 and 4.85 hours of nursing care each day. 
The bill increases resources to nursing homes to comply with these 
staffing levels by reinstating the Boren Amendment and increasing the 
federal Medicaid match to states for payment of health care services by 
1.5%.
  There is an urgent need for this bill right now, as demonstrated by 
the findings of the HHS study and investigative reports issued by the 
minority staff of the Government Reform Committee. At the request of 
House members, the Government Reform Committee minority staff has 
written over 25 reports on nursing home conditions around the country. 
These reports have found that large numbers of nursing homes are being 
cited for violations of federal standards relating to pressure sores, 
preventable accidents, improper medical care, malnutrition, 
dehydration, and abuse. These reports also have found a clear 
relationship between more staffing and better care.
  The Bush Administration claims that more research is necessary before 
we can establish minimum staffing standards. We have already had a 
decade of research from some of the foremost experts in the field. Now 
is the time for action.
  We in Congress have a responsibility to do all we can to protect our 
nation's seniors. They helped our generation when we needed their help. 
And now it's our turn--and our obligation--to provide them with the 
highest quality of care.

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