What is Being Done About the Staffing Shortage?

No business or industry is immune to staffing issues and the problems they cause. But what’s being done to ensure that nursing homes are staffed properly?
 
Jessica R. Towhey of Mcknights Long-Term Care News ereports that “New Jersey nursing homes that violate the state’s staffing minimums could be fined up to $500 per violation under new regulations proposed by the Department of Health.”
 
Towhey continues: “Facilities that are found in violation of the staffing minimums would be required to submit a corrective action plan to the Department of Health. A second violation would require another correction plan and could see the facility fined up to $500 per violation per shift, plus being charged with additional violations equal to the number of staffers for which the shift is short.”
 
There are some people who do not agree with this proposed plan, arguing that it may be counterproductive to enact such penalties. Other states have been more lenient due to concerns about fines and penalties causing more facilities to go out of business. 
 
In February 2021, staffing ratios for certified nurse aides (CNAs) were approved by the state, but no penalties have been imposed. The Health Care Association of New Jersey has stated that facilities are having a very difficult time meeting the minimum requirements due to staffing shortages.
 
What are the minimum staffing requirements for CNAs?

• Day shift: 1 CNA per every 8 residents
• Evening shift: 1 direct care staff member per every 10 residents; half of all staff members must be CNAs
• Night shift: 1 direct care staff member per every 14 residents; each employee must work as a CNA and perform relevant duties

 
How is the state of New Jersey trying to help facilities meet these minimums? The state has updated the criteria needed to certify CNAs. For example, someone who has been employed at a long-term care facility and has completed the skills and written test or has completed training and been given conditional approval pending a criminal background check. Additionally, the criteria were updated to include certified homemaker-home health aides who are also enrolled in a CNA program and actively working towards becoming a CNA.
 
Staffing shortages in facilities means that residents may not be getting the time, attention, and care that they deserve. With a live-in aide, your loved one has constant one-on-one attention. 
 
If you have any questions about home care for your loved ones, you can contact us. You can also check out the rest of our blog posts on our website.
 
​Written by Madison Chalmers

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