Dear Mr. Secretary:
We are writing with regard to the new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)regulation permitting feeding assistants in nursing homes. In particular, we are requesting that HHScollect adequate and reliable data on the number of hours worked by feeding assistants. We requestfurther that the information not only be collected but that the information also be disseminatedpublicly.
Residents and family members have a right to know what amount of nursing home care isbeing provided by feeding assistants and what amount is being provided by registered nurses,licensed nurses, and nursing assistants. Such data will enable family members to make informeddecisions about the proper nursing home in which to place a loved one.
It is also critical that policymakers and researchers be provided with data on the use offeeding assistants in order to evaluate the impact of this regulation. For example, such data wouldallow policymakers to determine if nursing homes that hire large numbers of feeding assistants arereducing or increasing staffing in other areas, or whether nursing homes with large numbers offeeding assistants are more or less likely to violate federal nursing home standards. Without suchdata, Congress and outside experts cannot evaluate the effectiveness of the feeding assistantregulation.
Therefore, we request that the following measures be implemented immediately:
(1) HHS should require nursing homes to accurately report to state inspectors and/or HHSthe number of hours worked by feeding assistants;
(2) HHS should include this data on the Nursing Home Compare website currentlymaintained by HHS; and
(3) The Nursing Home Compare website should provide an easy-to-understand comparisonof the number of hours worked by feeding assistants, registered nurses, licensed nurses, and nurseaides.
Moreover, we understand that the nurse staffing data currently reported on the Nursing HomeCompare website may not be accurate for many or even most facilities and that HHS now hasresearch showing how accurate staffing data can be collected using payroll records and invoices. Wewould like to know when HHS will begin collecting staffing data using payroll records and invoicesand when such data will be made available to Congress and the public.
We would appreciate a response to our letter by May 5, 2004. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Henry A. Waxman Ranking Minority Member Committee on Government Reform U.S. House of Representatives
Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on Finance U.S. Senate
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Source: Ranking Member’s News
