Failing US nursing homes to face tougher federal penalties

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration says the worst-of-the-worst nursing homes will now face tougher penalties if conditions don’t improve at their facilities.

The intensified scrutiny on some nursing homes comes nearly two years after COVID-19 exposed subpar care and extreme staffing shortages that had long festered in the facilities.

New guidelines announced Friday will apply to less than 0.5% of the nation’s nursing homes.

They will now lose federal funding if they receive more than one dangerous violation rule-breaking that puts residents at risk for harm.

he administration also announced $80 million worth of grants that will be given to health care organizations, trade groups or labor unions to train and hire nursing staff.