Senator Wyden Responds to HHS Proposal Which Includes Rollback on Nursing Home Readiness

We are sharing this article by Politico Pro because many people with intellectual / developmental disabilities (I/DD) of all ages reside in nursing homes. Additionally, it is important for our members to keep track of the full regulatory climate surrounding Medicaid, including how Congress responds to Administration proposals. For readers less familiar with the issue, Medicaid funds the majority of I/DD supports in the United States.

As written by Politico Pro:

“RON WYDEN asks if nursing homes are prepared for hurricanes, as Trump rule (and bad weather) loom. The Senate Finance Committee ranking member on Monday re-upped his investigation into nursing homes, warning that the facilities likely aren’t prepared for emergencies. [Emphasis in original.]

‘It’s hurricane season again,’ the committee’s account tweeted. ‘Are [nursing homes] prepared now?’

… Wyden’s 2018 investigation found that hurricanes led to deaths and considerable nursing home damage in Florida and in Texas. The Oregon Democrat also has repeatedly warned about a Trump administration deregulatory package, which arrived at OMB about three weeks ago and contains measures that would roll back CMS requirements on nursing homes to conduct emergency drills and other readiness efforts.”