Posts Categorized: Legislation and Politics

The UFCW recently submitted public comment on the proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would require minimum staffing standards in long-term care facilities. The proposed rule by CMS and DHS would also require states to report the percentage of Medicaid payments for certain Medicaid-covered institutional services that are spent on compensation for direct care workers and support staff.

The UFCW’s public comment included suggestions to strengthen the proposed rule with an updated staffing level; a shorter phase-in period for implementing new staffing regulations and the elimination of waivers for facilities to delay implementation, automatic enforcement of fines and payment denials for violators; guidelines for staffing acuity adjustments with strict enforcement; and improved financial transparency and accountability within facilities.

The UFCW also submitted testimonials from its nursing home members that included the following:

“When we do not have enough staff, the patients who rely on us to feed them sometimes have to wait hours, or sometimes are not fed at all… patients are not getting up out of bed, which causes them to get pneumonia along with bedsores.” – UFCW member from New Haven, Conn.

“These residents live here, they depend on us. It breaks my heart because they’re not getting the proper care they deserve. I’ve been a CNA for 21 years, I love all the patients, I love what I do. I just wish that they can staff accordingly so we can give the care these residents deserve.” – UFCW member from Watertown, Conn.

“We are encouraged to see the Biden Administration take a much-needed step towards addressing the staffing crisis in our nation’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone in a statement.

“The UFCW’s more than 11,000 nursing home and assisted living members know all too well that understaffing in this industry is not due to a lack of hard-working, dedicated workers, but rather the willingness of the industry to place profit over patient care,” Perrone added. “A well-thought-out minimum staffing standard would help ensure our nation’s long-term patients are well cared for and that our nursing home members, and all long-term care workers, have the staffing levels they need to provide the skilled, quality care our loved ones deserve. We hope that the Biden Administration and these agencies continue to listen to our members and take into consideration our suggestions to strengthen the proposed rule.”

The UFCW applauded the release of a new report from the leading drug policy think tank Parabola Center for Law and Policy that outlines an equitable, constitutional and just future for the cannabis industry.

The report, titled How to Federally Legalize Cannabis Without Violating the Constitution or Undermining Equity and Justice, lays the blueprint for congressional reform of federal cannabis law in a way that:

•           safeguards workers’ rights;

•           protects against monopolies;

•           encourages high wages; and

•           provides greater access to the industry for historically marginalized communities.

“As America’s largest cannabis union, we believe we are at a critical time for the industry,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone in a statement. “As cannabis continues to grow and expand throughout the U.S., it can do so in a way that is positive for workers and consumers alike or it can take a path that so many other industries have, where a few large companies wield control over the entire industry.”

“This report proves that there is a constitutional path toward a future where the cannabis industry empowers workers and local communities, safeguards state programs, lays the groundwork for social equity, and prohibits predatory market consolidation,” Perrone added. “We have the road map to a brighter, more just future but without specific action from Congress, that future is at risk. We call on all elected leaders to take action on these recommendations and help shape the cannabis industry in a way that benefits all workers and consumers instead of a privileged few companies.” 

The Communications Department has created materials to help locals promote this report here. You can read the full report here.