Rural Health
News by Topic: Long-term care
CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Repeal of Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities
Federal Register
Dec 3, 2025 - Notice of interim final rule with comment from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) repealing provisions of the May 10, 2024, final rule titled "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting." This interim final rule removes the minimum staffing requirements outlined in the May 10, 2024, final rule and reinstates nurse staffing requirements set forth in the October 4, 2016, final rule. These regulations are effective on February 2, 2026. Comments are due by February 2, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 2, 2025 - Announces that components of a 2024 regulation establishing federal requirements for nursing home staffing has been repealed. Discusses the burden that had been placed on rural and tribal facilities as a result of the rule.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
New Texas Energy Package Could Help Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities During Extreme Weather
Oct 20, 2025 - Discusses the challenges with caring for older adults in rural long-term care settings during natural disasters with a close look at the impact of 2021's Winter Storm Uri in Texas. Describes the outsized impact infrastructure failures have on the health of older adults. Highlights the Texas Backup Power Package, legislation aiming to strengthen energy resilience for critical facilities and essential services.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Oct 8, 2025 - Announces a new telehealth service launching in 27 rural South Dakota long-term care facilities. A phone line will be monitored by registered nurses and advanced practice providers. The facilities are located in communities with limited medical resources, increasing healthcare access for patients in need of higher level care.
Source: McKnights Long Term Care News