Inside State Initiatives Boosting Immigrant Labor in Nursing Homes Amid Trump’s Deportation Threats

States and local associations haven’t given up on using policy changes to immigration as a major tool to combat the staffing crisis in nursing homes, despite the Trump administration launching the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history. Immigrant workers in nursing homes all across the U.S. have proven to be a strong solution to […]

Diakonos, Good Samaritan COOs: Nursing Home Investments in 2025 Will Focus on ‘Flexibility’ 

As providers focus on building up the nursing home workforce, and in turn protecting access to care, many leaders in 2025 are prioritizing shift flexibility for staff while also launching new programs to better support hiring and retention. At the same time, investments in integrated health services and behavioral health are top of mind for […]

Legal Defeat Remains Key Even if Legislative, Administrative Barriers Make Repeal of the Nursing Home Staffing Mandate Inevitable

In the aftermath of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) response to a pending lawsuit against the federal minimum staffing mandate, nursing home sector experts are stressing that legally defeating the mandate – and effectively canceling it – remains crucial. “The section [in HHS’s response] relating to the limitation on the relief is […]

‘Whole Different Ballgame’: Trump’s Executive Orders, Vision for First 100 Days Deemed Positive for Nursing Homes

Among the myriad executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on Inauguration Day Monday was one that freezes new regulations. A welcome relief for nursing home providers, the executive order reflects the new Republican administration’s overall preference for less regulation. However, it is worth noting that this executive order will not derail the staffing mandate […]

‘Health Care Villages’ Seek to Stabilize Nursing Home Labor Pool by Supporting Workers at Life’s Crossroads

Traditional workforce development models often fail because they don’t address personal barriers to success, such as housing, transportation and childcare, that workers in the nursing home sector – where many are single mothers – face in maintaining employment. While staffing has improved over the last year, these common life struggles threaten the stability of the […]

As CMS Proposes 4.33% Medicare Advantage Pay Increase, Experts See Better Negotiation Outlook for Nursing Homes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 4.33% increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, which could have an overall positive trickle-down effect on nursing homes. Expected to be finalized under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, this slight payment boost comes after MA providers faced a modest rate reduction for 2025. […]

‘A Band Aid on a Gaping Wound’: CMS’ $20M Incentive for RNs in Nursing Homes Leaves Much to be Desired

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to offer up to $20 million to boost the registered nurse (RN) workforce in nursing homes, but this, along with the agency’s Nursing Home Staffing Campaign, misses the mark on many levels, according to operators. This funding grants nursing students seeking to become RNs up to […]

Best Skilled Nursing Design 2024: Citrus Heights’ Garden Areas Marry Eco-Friendliness, Resident Safety

Masonic Homes Covina Citrus Heights Health Center is a newly constructed 32-bed skilled nursing facility built to serve residents and the broader community. It’s part of a larger continuing care retirement community (CCRC). The project is defined by an open floor plan, abundant natural light and green spaces for every resident and their families, with […]

Executive Outlook 2025 (Part 2): In Seeking Cleaner Public Image, Nursing Homes Target Changes to Infrastructure, Staffing, Service Lines

As the dust finally began to settle in 2024 from the operational storm unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing home operators found themselves in a good position to turn to an issue that had not been so much ignored as largely postponed in the wake of the lasting damage. Closures along with mergers and acquisitions […]

Executive Outlook 2025: While MA ‘Tightens the Screws’ on Nursing Homes, Sector Focuses on Reform, Workforce Solutions, I-SNPs

While 2025 remains a bit uncertain due to the federal staffing mandate and a new White House administration, leaders in the nursing home industry plan to continue working toward improving quality of care, addressing workforce challenges and advocating for fair regulation and reimbursements. Clif Porter, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association/National Center […]

Top Skilled Nursing Trends for 2025

Despite the sector continuing to grapple with staffing shortages, rising operational costs, and regulatory uncertainty, emerging trends have skilled nursing leaders gearing up for a positive 2025, with fewer challenges and more opportunities on the horizon. As we look ahead, several key trends are expected to shape the sector from regulatory shifts to financial turbulence, […]

Build, Buy or Partner: Touchstone COO Says Brick and Mortar, Ancillary Growth Essential for Longevity

For some nursing home providers, adding new business lines and more brick-and-mortar locations ensures greater longevity by providing better cushioning against larger economic forces. This philosophy allows for a lot of freedom when growing the business, and it keeps nursing home operators from sitting still in a challenging and constantly changing environment. According to Leslie […]

Most-Read Skilled Nursing News Stories of 2024

It’s no surprise that the Biden administration’s minimum staffing mandate was the source of Skilled Nursing News’ most-read story of 2024. From the proposal stage to its final form, our stories on the staffing mandate covered all aspects of its requirements as well as the legal and legislative challenges against it. Our stories about the […]

[UPDATED] CMS Rolls Out Nursing Home Staffing Campaign, Promises ‘Free’ CNA Training, RN Incentives

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued details on a national staffing campaign for the nursing home sector, aimed at increasing the number of nurses working in nursing homes and at state agencies that inspect nursing homes for compliance. The campaign continues the initiatives outlined in April, which ties $75 million funded […]

‘Republican Trifecta,’ Federal Budget Negotiations Could Have a Positive Impact on the Nursing Home Sector 

Nursing home leaders are anticipating big changes to the sector with President Donald Trump’s inauguration drawing closer. The federal staffing mandate is likely to be on the chopping block, as Republicans eye $22 billion in savings if it is delayed or stopped. However, operators must balance this win, among potential others, with the incoming administration’s […]

EF Senior’s Expansion of Nursing Home Footprint Centers on Ongoing ‘Disruption and Owner Fatigue’ 

Heading into 2025, EF Senior Care continues to seek opportunities for expansion after acquiring nursing homes in the last two years, signaling a positive trend for smaller-sized outfits in the sector, especially those looking to leverage their consulting experience. The Massachusetts-based provider, which started out solely as a consulting firm before purchasing two skilled nursing […]

Judge Pledges to ‘Work as Quickly as I Can’ After Hearing Arguments to Pause Nursing Home Staffing Mandate

In the litigation against the federal nursing home staffing mandate, in which state attorneys general from 20 states are seeking a temporary halt, a federal judge heard oral arguments from both the government and the states on Thursday. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urged the federal judge to deny the injunctive relief requested by […]