Columbus Standard

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN) voiced his opposition to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandatory nursing staff ratio rule during a House Energy and Commerce Committee markup session. The session considered and passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) aimed at overturning the CMS rule, which was introduced by Congressman Pence alongside Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (R-MN).

"Thank you, Chair Rodgers, for including this important CRA in this markup," said Pence.

"My resolution would provide Congressional disapproval of the CMS Final Rule regarding Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities that was issued in April."

Pence highlighted concerns from his constituents about healthcare worker shortages and criticized the one-size-fits-all approach of the CMS rule. He argued that imposing unfunded staffing levels, particularly in rural communities where qualified workers are scarce, would exacerbate existing problems in the long-term care sector.

"Imposing unfunded staffing levels, especially in my rural communities, where qualified workers are already in short supply, will not solve any of the issues affecting the long-term care sector," he stated.

Pence echoed sentiments expressed by another committee member, Mr. Carter, noting that failure to meet CMS standards or strict exemption criteria could lead to nursing home closures in his area. This situation would leave patients without options for long-term care.

"Like Mr. Carter said, when nursing homes are unable to meet CMS standards or the strict criteria for exemptions, they will be forced to close in my area, and that leaves patients with no options for long-term care," he added.

Expressing his commitment to protecting access to nursing homes for seniors, Pence emphasized his collaboration with Representative Fischbach on this resolution.

"I refuse to sit by while hundreds of thousands of seniors could lose access to nursing homes," he said. "I urge my colleagues on this Committee to vote yes today and I hope to see it get to the floor very soon."

The full video of Congressman Pence's remarks is available online.