Proposed rule would require nursing homes to boost staffing

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration says it wants to require nursing homes to boost staffing levels.

State officials on Wednesday announced the first in what they describe as a series of updates to outdated long-term care regulations.

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Under the proposed regulation, nursing homes would be required to provide at least 4.1 hours of direct care per patient per day, an increase of more than 50%.

The state’s top health official says that would help reduce falls, malnutrition, dehydration, infections, bed sores and other maladies. An industry group denounces the proposal as out-of-touch and unattainable.

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Associated Press