09/25/2025
HHS Ends Appeals in Staffing Mandate Cases
The Department of Health and Human Services has ended its defense of the federal nursing home staffing mandate, asking courts to dismiss appeals in both the Texas and Iowa cases. The Fifth Circuit granted dismissal on Sept. 19, closing a 16-month legal fight, while the Eighth Circuit filing remains pending.
The mandate, finalized in 2024, would have required 24/7 registered nurse coverage and minimum staffing hours across all nursing homes. District courts in Texas and Iowa struck down those provisions earlier this year, ruling that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services exceeded its authority.
National leaders, including LeadingAge, welcomed the withdrawal as aligning with the administration’s concurrent move to repeal the rule. A proposed repeal is now under review by the Office of Management and Budget.
Read more at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News.
