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Sparks flew in a high-drama House Human Services Committee hearing last week as Representative Anna Moeller and Representative Yolonda Morris called attention to nursing home owners falling short of meeting minimum safe staffing requirements, despite significant state investment intended to address staffing shortages.

The nursing home industry-backed HB2922 attempts to ease fines meant to enforce accountability for understaffing in facilities, even though nursing home owners previously asked for and received millions in tax breaks and additional state funding intended specifically to improve staffing levels.

Despite the resources provided by the state, way too many nursing homes continue to operate short staffed, resulting in real harm and ongoing risks to our seniors.

Rep. Morris, a former nursing home certified nursing assistant, highlighted the severity of staffing issues, “It’s time for you guys to learn how to start staffing up and be held accountable.”

Rep. Moeller added, “Why do we have to keep fighting the battle every year with the industry? Why can’t you just do what you’re supposed to do to take care of our seniors?”

Lawmakers Moeller and Morris underscored the critical need for accountability, emphasizing that the industry has received hundreds of millions of dollars in public resources meant to improve care for our seniors. Oppose HB2922, because the minimum required resident care can’t wait.