Federal Judge Rules in Favor of LeadingAge State Affiliates

On June 18, federal judge Leonard T. Strand issued a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs to vacate the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) staffing standards included in the final rule. The plaintiffs, including 17 LeadingAge State affiliates, two Kansas nursing home providers, and 20 states attorneys general filed to vacate the staffing mandate final rule in its entirety. Similar to the case in Texas filed by LeadingAge and American Health Care Association (AHCA), the plaintiffs argued that CMS lacks the statutory authority to issue such a rule, that the rule is contrary to law, and the provisions are arbitrary and capricious. Judge Strand ruled in favor of the plaintiffs as it relates to the minimum staffing hours and the 24/7 RN requirements. However, Judge Strand ruled in favor of HHS/CMS regarding the facility assessment and state Medicaid reporting requirements.  

LeadingAge Iowa staff Samantha Heibel, Director of Advocacy & Engagement stated "This ruling marks a significant victory for mission-driven aging services providers across Iowa and the nation. This mandate, while well-intentioned, would have imposed rigid staffing ratios without addressing the underlying issues of funding and workforce scarcity, placing undue financial strain on providers and jeopardizing access to essential care for older Iowans. We are grateful to the courts for recognizing the importance of sustaining mission-driven, community-oriented care, and we thank our members whose voices, experiences, and stories brought this fight to the forefront. We will continue to advocate for meaningful, durable actions that will truly protect the health, dignity, and well-being of older Iowans."

"LeadingAge Iowa is beyond relieved with Judge Strand's ruling even if it doesn't vacate the rule in its entirety. The staffing provisions in the final rule were unattainable for several of our members given the workforce. At baseline, many of our members staff well above average levels and provide exceptional care to those they serve but the burden of this rule left many wondering about the sustainability of nursing home care nationwide" stated LeadingAge Iowa Director of Clinical Services, Kellie Van Ree.