H.R. 7096: Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act
The Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act aims to amend parts of the Social Security Act concerning the Medicare and Medicaid programs, specifically focusing on skilled nursing facilities and nursing aide training programs. Here's a breakdown of the key elements of the bill:
Purpose of the Bill
The bill is designed to ensure that nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities meet specific requirements related to the training and competency evaluation of nursing aides before receiving approvals to operate under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Changes to Medicare Regulations
The bill proposes amendments to Section 1819 of the Social Security Act, which governs skilled nursing facilities under Medicare. The changes include:
- Modifying the criteria for approving nursing aide training programs to ensure they meet quality standards.
- Specifying that facilities must not only pass performance evaluations but also not be penalized or cited for deficiencies related to resident care quality.
Changes to Medicaid Regulations
Similar amendments will apply to Section 1919 of the Social Security Act, which pertains to nursing facilities under Medicaid. The updates will include:
- Aligning the training program approval criteria with those established for Medicare.
- Emphasizing the necessity for facilities to have adequate care quality without recent civil penalties or deficiencies noted.
Impact on Skilled Nursing Facilities
By implementing these changes, the bill seeks to improve the standards of care in skilled nursing and nursing facilities, focusing on ensuring that nursing aides are appropriately trained and that facilities are compliant with quality care regulations.
Enforcement of Standards
Facilities that do not meet the revised criteria will face challenges in receiving approvals for their training programs and could impact their qualifications for Medicare and Medicaid funding. The aim is to promote better trained staff, leading to enhanced care for seniors.
Relevant Companies
- DHI - D.R. Horton, Inc.: As a construction company that may be involved in building assisted living facilities, changes in regulations could impact future constructions.
- UNH - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated: A major healthcare provider, this company may be involved in nursing facility oversight and could adapt its services in response to new standards.
- HCA - HCA Healthcare, Inc.: This operator of healthcare facilities might need to adjust its training programs and operational standards for nursing aides in compliance with the bill.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
4 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 15, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| Jan. 15, 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. |
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