Initial Elements of CMS’ Nursing Home Staffing Campaign Launch

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the initial elements of its highly anticipated Nursing Home Staffing Campaign with the publication of two new webpages on December 16. The campaign, which will be implemented in phases, is aimed at increasing the number of nurses in nursing homes and state survey agencies to ultimately improve nursing home quality of care.

Among the initiatives for this campaign, CMS will be providing financial incentives for Registered Nurses (RNs) to work in long-term care and promoting training opportunities for individuals looking to become certified nurse aides (CNAs). While RN financial incentives are not yet available, the new career pathways site helps link prospective CNAs with training opportunities in their states. The site provides additional information about the many opportunities available to nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses working in nursing homes.

CMS states they will also be working with states to help bolster staffing campaigns at the state level. This includes opportunities for states to provide their own financial incentives, improve access to nurse aide training programs, and amplify messaging around the value of working in nursing homes.

LeadingAge welcomes the launch of this long-awaited campaign to aid nursing homes in workforce recruitment and retention and encourages CMS to continue efforts to address this important issue.