S.1920 - Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1920, the Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025, aims to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The goal is to develop national quality standards for continuous skilled nursing services provided through Medicaid. The bill focuses on redefining private duty nursing services as continuous skilled nursing services and establishing a working group to develop national quality standards.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to revised definitions and standards for skilled nursing services under Medicaid. This includes updating regulations and creating a framework for continuous quality improvement. Ultimately, the bill seeks to improve the quality of care for Medicaid beneficiaries requiring skilled nursing.
Potential Benefits
- Improved quality of care for Medicaid beneficiaries receiving continuous skilled nursing services.
- Development of national quality standards ensuring consistent care across states.
- Inclusion of continuous skilled nursing care services in home and community-based waiver services.
- Regular review and updates of quality measures for continuous skilled nursing services.
- Increased clarity and standardization in the provision of private duty nursing services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden and costs associated with implementing new quality standards for states and providers.
- Possible delays in access to care during the transition to new definitions and standards.
- Risk of unintended consequences from overly prescriptive national standards that may not fit all local contexts.
- The act does not address funding mechanisms to support the implementation of these standards, potentially straining state budgets.
- The act may increase the complexity of Medicaid administration, requiring additional oversight and resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes the health and well-being of vulnerable populations by improving healthcare quality. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but Congress has authority to regulate federal spending programs like Medicaid under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).