Trump victory signals end to U.S. nursing home staffing mandate, stakeholders say
ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES — With Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, long-term care providers are anticipating a significant rollback of regulations, including the Biden-era nursing home staffing mandate set to take effect in 2026.
Industry stakeholders believe that Trump’s anti-regulatory stance will create a more favorable environment for nursing home operators, particularly those in for-profit facilities.
In an interview with McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, Fred Bentley, managing director for Medicare innovation at ATI Advisory, called the staffing mandate “dead on arrival.”
“They will be scaling back or decreasing regulatory scrutiny, surveys. You can kind of go down the line, and it will be a more favorable environment,” he added.
Bentley also noted that the Trump administration is likely to reduce oversight of Medicare Advantage plans, which have been criticized for limiting access to post-acute care.
Persistent workforce shortages and pay issues
Despite the anticipated regulatory relief, experts warn that Trump’s approach may not address the long-standing workforce shortages and pay issues plaguing the sector. Immigration reform, which could help alleviate staffing shortages in long-term care facilities, is unlikely to be prioritized under the new administration.
Clif Porter, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, emphasized the need to continue focusing on workforce development.
“It is critical that our nation’s leaders prioritize, support, and invest in America’s seniors and their caregivers,” Porter stated.
Lame-duck session offers potential for reform
Long-term care advocates see the lame-duck session—the period between now and Inauguration Day in January 2025—as a crucial window to advance reforms before Trump officially takes office.
Outgoing lawmakers may be more willing to pass legislation that expands workforce development and increases access to care for seniors. Senator Jon Tester, who lost his re-election bid in Montana, could still play a key role in blocking the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) staffing rule before leaving office.
“We are optimistic that a Trump administration would rescind the unrealistic staffing mandate,” Porter added.
Medicare and Medicaid funding questions loom
Although Trump campaigned to protect Medicare, there are concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid under his administration.
Bentley noted that while Medicare is likely safe from budget cuts, Medicaid could face reductions that would negatively impact skilled nursing providers who rely heavily on these funds.
As the sector braces for changes under Trump’s leadership, provider advocates remain hopeful but cautious about the future.
