CMS Signals Progress on Nurse Incentive Program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) included information on the Nursing Home Staffing Campaign in its April 30 MLN Matters newsletter. The article advertised the nurse financial incentives program and noted that applications would be opening soon. This program will provide up to $40,000 in loan repayments and $10,000 living stipends to registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) working in qualifying nursing homes for a commitment of three years.

While CMS has still not released information about how "qualifying nursing homes" are determined, language in the notice seems to indicate that these nursing homes will be in areas that are designated "rural" and/or "underserved." LeadingAge recently inquired about updates on the program and was told that more information would be coming soon.

The updated webpage and mention of the nurse financial incentives in the MLN Matters article seem to be welcome signs that CMS is moving this program forward.