Wichita Standard

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has expressed his disappointment with the White House's finalization of the Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule. In a statement, Rep. Estes remarked, "It’s disappointing to see the White House go ahead with this disastrous and unworkable rule that will hurt Kansas’ seniors."

Highlighting his advocacy for seniors, Rep. Estes emphasized the challenges posed by the rule, stating, "I am a staunch advocate for our seniors and want them to receive the best care, but the health care workforce is simply not strong enough to support the numbers mandated by the Biden administration." He further suggested collaboration with Congress to address workforce shortages through initiatives like his bipartisan Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act.

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule aims to increase federally mandated staffing levels in nursing homes by requiring every facility to have an RN on-site at all times, in addition to imposing new minimum staffing ratios. Rep. Estes previously detailed his concerns with the rule in an op-ed, where he also outlined the purpose of his proposed legislation in addressing the workforce challenges faced by nursing homes.