As nursing home utilization increases as a result of escalating health care costs and the rising number of elderly citizens, an examination of staffing levels becomes necessary. Federal law does not require minimum standards of staffing in nursing homes. Thirty-eight states have implemented staffing levels; Texas does not have a nursing home staffing standard.
This report will analyze the issue of staffing in Texas facilities through a discussion of the history of nursing homes, current regulations, and a case study of the largest operator of nursing homes in the United States. Recommendations will be made as to how Texas may proceed in regards to this issue.
-- Author's foreword.
