Advocates Advancing Quality for Consumers: CMS Focuses on Improving Resident Quality and Safety in Nursing Home Regulations

From Consumer Voice: (click for full article)

On Wednesday, August 1st, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shared with the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) and other leading long-term care advocates that burden reduction is NOT the agency’s priority in its current review of federal nursing home regulations. CMS stated that they will review the regulations for the sole purpose of improving quality and safety standards for residents.

Advocates have been very concerned about this review, based on earlier indications that CMS would focus on reducing the burden to nursing home providers (this was the case with hospitals, which resulted in a weakening of certain safety and health standards). The Consumer Voice applauds CMS for putting residents’ needs first and is proud to have played a role alongside other important advocacy groups to ensure there is no weakening of the regulations. 

This is great news, but the work is not done – we urge CMS to convene a diverse stakeholder group to discuss and recommend  improvements for residents. The Consumer Voice also hopes to see CMS implement recommendations to improve quality of care and life for residents that we developed with input from consumer advocates around the country.