Bill · H.R. 8100· House(119-HR-8100)
Safe Staffing Saves Lives Act
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Lloyd Doggett
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Safe Staffing Saves Lives Act" aims to update the Social Security Act to establish minimum nursing staffing requirements. Starting January 1, 2029, skilled nursing and nursing facilities must meet specific daily hours for nursing care per resident. These standards include specific allocations for registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. The bill also establishes strict enforcement measures, such as increased survey frequencies and potential denial of payments for non-compliance. It provides a process for facilities to request waivers under certain conditions. Finally, it requires periodic reports to Congress to analyze the impact of these new staffing levels.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+8
The bill mandates increased nursing hours and 24-hour professional availability to improve safety and care for nursing home residents.
Would retired people be better off under this?+8
The bill enhances the staffing standards and safety protections for individuals in skilled nursing facilities.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill requires facilities to display noncompliance notices and includes staffing data on the Nursing Home Compare website.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
The mandate for increased staffing levels in Medicare and Medicaid facilities may increase federal and state expenditures.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Care Standards: Beginning in 2029, facilities must provide 24-hour licensed nursing services and a total minimum of 4.1 hours of nursing care per resident per day (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(III)).
- Specific Staffing Expertise: The bill ensures a specific breakdown of care, requiring 0.75 hours from a registered professional nurse and 0.55 hours from a licensed practical nurse (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(III)(aa)).
- Continuous Onsite Professional Presence: Facilities must ensure a registered professional nurse is onsite and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(IV)).
- Enhanced Transparency for Families: The bill requires facilities that do not meet staffing standards to prominently display a notice at the entrance and provide a written copy of that notice to residents and their families (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(i)).
- Informed Consumer Decisions: Information regarding whether a facility meets the new staffing requirements must be included on the Nursing Home Compare website (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(ii)).
- Protection Against Unfair Discharges: Facilities are prohibited from transferring or discharging a resident solely to meet the new minimum staffing requirements (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Financial Burdens on Facilities: Facilities that fail to meet staffing requirements may face the denial of further payments for individuals admitted to the facility (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(ii)(7)(B)).
- Strict Waiver Limitations: Facilities are limited to receiving no more than two consecutive waivers, which could impact those unable to comply (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(iii)(III)).
- Increased Oversight Pressure: Facilities found not to meet staffing requirements will be subject to standard surveys no later than 3 months after the previous survey (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(i)(III)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+8Good For Seniors+8Good For Low Income Households+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Medicaid Funding+4Increases Medicare Funding+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Reduces Government Spending-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 3/26/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Janice SchakowskyDemocrat · Illinois