Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R. 1683, the Protecting Rural Seniors' Access to Care Act, blocks the federal government from implementing or enforcing a staffing requirement rule for nursing facilities that was finalized in May 2024. The bill prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from adopting any similar staffing standards going forward. To study workforce challenges instead of imposing mandates, the legislation requires the creation of a 17-member Advisory Panel on the Nursing Home Workforce within 60 days, including nurses, nurse aides, physicians, and nursing home administrators—with specific representation from rural and underserved areas. The panel must meet at least twice yearly and submit an initial report within 60 days of its first meeting assessing workforce shortages, access barriers, and regulatory burdens, followed by annual updates. While the bill includes no direct funding provisions, it redirects federal nursing home policy away from minimum staffing rules toward advisory recommendations on workforce strengthening and reducing regulatory burden.
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