Overview

• U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk struck down the Biden administration's nursing home staffing mandate on April 8, 2025, ruling it inconsistent with Congressional legislation.
• The mandate, finalized in 2024, required 24-hour registered nurse staffing and increased staff-to-resident ratios, which industry groups argued were economically unfeasible.
• Critics of the mandate, including the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge, claimed the policy could lead to widespread nursing home closures and displace vulnerable seniors.
• The judge emphasized that regulatory actions must align with Congressional statutes, underscoring the separation of powers principle.
• The Biden administration has not yet commented on the ruling, while industry groups view the decision as a victory for maintaining access to care for aging populations.