Deuell Files Legislation to Continue High-Quality Nursing Home Care
Senate Bill 318 Bolsters Successful Staffing Program
AUSTIN -- State Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) recently filed legislation to ensure the quality of care for nursing homes in Texas. The plan would enhance the quality of care by using Medicaid funding to increase staffing levels at nursing facilities.
“We are committed to increasing the quality of care for nursing homes in Texas with this legislation,” Deuell said. “The nursing home staffing enhancement program has a proven record of providing outstanding care for the elderly and we must protect this program so it can continue to improve the quality of care for our seniors.”
The program is invaluable because:
- Staffing levels are directly linked to quality of care in long-term care.
- The program has successfully increased staffing levels in approximately 95 percent of facilities across the state.
- The program requires facilities to attach increased funding to staffing levels. A facility that does not use the funding on staffing levels is required to return the additional funds to the state.
- Not funding the program would jeopardize quality of care in Texas by leaving quality facilities with a 10 percent cut.
- This cut could cause many of the state’s top performing nursing facilities to cut staffing levels and reduce charitable care provided for seniors in Texas.
Deuell has demonstrated his commitment to providing quality care for seniors through his support of increased Medicaid for nursing homes. During the interim, the Legislative Budget Board approved an 11.75 percent increase in Medicaid funding for long-term care.
“If we do not retain and increase Medicaid rates, we will hurt our ability to adequately staff our nursing homes in Texas,” Deuell said. “I hope each and every member of the legislature will join me in supporting Senate Bill 318 and increased Medicaid funding on behalf of our senior Texans.”