Utah is among 20 states suing over a federal rule mandating more staffing in nursing homes, saying it will force facilities to close. (Getty Images)
A lawsuit filed Tuesday by 20 states including Utah challenging a federal rule mandating higher staffing levels in nursing homes alleges that facilities will be forced to close.
The states are led by Republican attorneys general, including Utah’s Sean Reyes. The named defendants include leaders within the federal Health and Human Services agency as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“Although the nursing home industry certainly has had its share of challenges, it fills a vital need in our communities that cannot be replaced,” the 66-page filing read. “Instead of addressing the legitimate challenges nursing homes face, the Defendants put forward a heavy-handed mandate … This Final Rule poses an existential threat to the nursing home industry as many nursing homes that are struggling will have no choice but to go out of business.”