Federal Judge Blocks Biden Nursing Home Staffing Rule – What It Means for North Carolina Families

A recent court decision is making headlines across the nation, especially for families with loved ones in nursing homes. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk rejected a Biden administration rule that would have required most U.S. nursing homes to meet new minimum staffing levels. The judge ruled that the requirement was overly burdensome and must comply with existing Congressional legislation that governs long-term care facilities.

This ruling comes as a relief to many in the nursing home industry who opposed the staffing mandate. The American Health Care Association (AHCA), one of the largest organizations representing nursing homes, had filed a lawsuit challenging the rule. Their argument? That the requirement would have forced many homes to close, displacing seniors and putting even more pressure on a system already struggling with staffing shortages.

Why the Rule Was Proposed

The Biden administration introduced the staffing rule as a way to improve care in nursing homes. After the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted serious gaps in long-term care, including over 200,000 resident and staff deaths in nursing facilities, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed the rule to ensure there are enough workers to properly care for residents.

Federal officials said the goal was to prevent resident neglect and delays in care, both of which have been common issues in facilities that are understaffed. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CMS argued in court that more staff would lead to better outcomes and reduce the chances of mistreatment or poor health outcomes among vulnerable residents.

However, opponents said the rule was unrealistic. Clif Porter, CEO of AHCA, called the mandate a “20th-century solution” that fails to address current workforce challenges. He claimed the rule would do more harm than good, by forcing homes to shut down rather than improve.

Problems in North Carolina Nursing Homes

While the court ruling blocks the federal mandate for now, the underlying issues remain—especially in states like North Carolina.

Many nursing homes in NC are facing severe staffing shortages. This isn’t just about the number of nurses or aides on duty—it’s about whether residents are receiving the basic level of care they need and deserve. We’ve seen cases where facilities are so understaffed that residents don’t get timely meals, medication, or even help with hygiene.

KBD Attorneys (formerly known as KBA Attorneys) have been following this issue closely. We have written extensively about nursing homes in North Carolina and across the country where staffing shortages have led to neglect, abuse, or preventable injuries.

If your loved one is in a nursing facility in North Carolina, it’s critical to be aware of signs of poor care. These may include unexplained bruises, sudden weight loss, bedsores, or emotional withdrawal—indicators that your family member may not be getting the attention they need.

Understaffing Often Leads to Neglect

Let’s be honest—when there simply aren’t enough people working, care suffers.

We know most caregivers and nurses are doing their best, but in an understaffed environment, it’s impossible to give each resident the level of attention and compassion they need. This can lead to major problems, including:

• Missed medications or incorrect dosages
• Residents left in soiled clothing or beds
• Delayed responses to emergency calls
• Increased risk of falls or injury
• Lack of emotional support and human interaction

These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re signs of potential neglect and can have life-threatening consequences.

KBD Attorneys Is Accepting Cases

If your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home—due to neglect, abuse, or poor staffing—KBD Attorneys is here to help. Attorney Whitney Butcher heads KBD’s Raleigh, NC Office [link to Raleigh page]. 

We are currently accepting cases involving nursing homes in North Carolina and nationwide. Our legal team has handled numerous cases where residents were injured or mistreated due to facilities cutting corners or failing to maintain adequate staff. We’ve fought for families whose loved ones suffered bedsores, falls, medication errors, malnutrition, and other preventable injuries.

You don’t have to go through this alone. If you believe your family member has suffered due to negligence or lack of proper staffing, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

We’ve Written About These Issues Before

At KBD Attorneys, we’ve been writing about the serious problems in nursing homes long before this latest court ruling. Many facilities are plagued by the same challenges: high turnover, underpaid staff, and lack of accountability. Sadly, this often translates to residents being mistreated or ignored.

We’ve covered stories involving:

• Nursing home workers failing to report injuries
• Facilities with chronic violations and poor inspection records
• Residents with untreated medical conditions
• Homes that hide their staffing problems from families

Our page on nursing homes has more information and examples of mistreatment and what to look out for when placing your loved one in a nursing home.

This latest legal decision doesn’t solve those issues—it just postpones one attempt at addressing them. But families still need answers and action when something goes wrong.

What You Can Do Now

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, take this opportunity to review their care:

• Ask questions about staff-to-resident ratios
• Visit at different times of the day to observe care routines
• Keep records of any injuries, missed medications, or strange behavior
• Don’t be afraid to speak up—your voice matters

And if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. KBD Attorneys is here to support you and hold negligent facilities accountable.

Get Help Today

You don’t need to wait for a new federal rule to take action. If your loved one has suffered from poor care in a nursing home, reach out to KBD Attorneys for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your legal options and get justice for your family.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Your loved one deserves dignity, safety, and respect. We’re here to make sure they get it.