Group says federal staffing proposal would ‘decimate’ Missouri’s nursing homes

A proposed federal rule would require nursing homes nationwide to boost nurse staffing levels, including in Missouri. 

Nikki Strong, executive director of the Missouri Health Care Association, says the proposal would “decimate” the state’s nursing homes. 

“You know, we’ve had several facilities close in rural areas, many because they can’t find staff now. This is happening at a certain level,” says Strong. “It’s been a slow trickle. If this rule will go into place, the slow trickle would stop, you know this will be a full flood gate of closings, I’m afraid, and it would hit the rural areas faster.”

The federal government says the requirements will hold nursing homes accountable and make sure that residents get safe, high-quality care.