nursing homes

Oklahoma providers argued it asked them to find staff they can’t afford and that doesn’t exist.

The groups provided updates on where the mandate stands and what they think could come this year.

Oklahoma is one of about 20 states that recently joined a lawsuit against the federal government over its staffing mandate for nursing homes.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program moved from Oklahoma Human Services to the attorney general’s office after Senate Bill 1709 became law on Friday.

Recruiting long-term care CNAs can be challenging, and fighting consistent turnover is costly. But groups in Oklahoma are finding ways to invest in workers’ futures.

Once the CMS finalizes this rate increase, regular nursing facilities will see an average increase of $224.64 per resident, per day to $244.78.

Oklahoma nursing homes are preparing for staffing rules finalized in April by the Biden administration, meant to improve safety and quality of care in long-term care facilities.

The committee heard presentations covering staffing shortages, care complaints and service connection issues to identify ways Oklahoma can improve the quality of life for its aging population.

Oklahomans did not get an accurate picture of COVID’s toll on the state’s most vulnerable population because the state’s reporting method was unreliable. Federal data shows at least 512 residents who died are missing from state reports.

State health officials are developing a plan that could allow visitors back into nursing homes. But facility managers and industry advocates point to…