Connecticut proposes increasing nursing home direct care funding

Connecticut lawmakers are pushing two bills that would require nursing homes to spend 80% of their funds on direct patient care, up from the current 51%. This includes all revenue sources, such as Medicaid and Medicare. The proposals have faced opposition from industry leaders and some lawmakers, who argue that such a mandate could limit funding for essential services like maintenance and food delivery. Concerns have also been raised about the narrow definition of direct care, which now only includes nurses and nurse aides. Supporters of the bills argue that increased spending on direct care is crucial for improving the quality of care for residents. Similar proposals have been discussed in the past but have not progressed in the legislature.