DEED: Regulations and Demographics Converge to Create a Momentous Long-Term Care Workforce Challenge

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) new article highlights the looming impact of federal minimum staffing regulations on Minnesota's nursing homes.

Even if the incoming administration at the federal level rescinds the proposed CMS staffing regulations, the article highlights the pressing need for direct care workforce initiatives due to Minnesota’s rapidly growing aging population.

Top Takeaways from the Article

• Per the article, the CMS minimum staffing standards would require 739 additional full-time RNs and 3,540 additional full-time Nursing Assistants in nursing homes alone.
• Yet, our state already has 4,382 and 2,591 vacancies for those roles, respectively.
• Without staff, access to care will continue to be limited, resulting in a potential reduction of 1,753 residents being served.
• Yet, Minnesota's number of seniors needing nursing home care is projected to increase by more than 20% from 2025 to 2035, an increase of 4,656 people.

“To overcome these workforce shortages and have a realistic opportunity to meet these standards, ambitious and innovative workforce solutions are needed…With unalterable demographic trends increasing the need for nursing home care, it is imperative that we address this challenge.” – Anthony Schaffhauser, Labor Analyst, DEED.

LeadingAge Minnesota staff collaborated with DEED on the article, providing additional data analysis and insights. In response, Kari Thurlow, President and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota commented, "Minnesotans expect that they will be able to access care in their local community—where and when they need it. That is why it is imperative that policymakers, families and providers work together to ensure we can protect that long-held Minnesotan value."

Read more here.