At least 711 nursing homes reported running out of N95 masks at the end of May, and 1,963 said they had less than a week's worth. "The federal government has got to step up," says one advocate.
Nursing homes banned all visitors and nonessential workers from their facilities in mid-March to stop the spread of COVID-19. Advocates and families want that ban to end.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says about 80% of nursing homes nationwide reported data to the CDC as required. The remaining 20% could face fines if they don't comply.
Nursing home experts say priorities need to change, emphasizing quality of life over profits. The stunning COVID-19 death toll brings scrutiny to an industry that many believe is due for an overhaul.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine responded to critics who say there are holes in the state's plan to test all residents and staff at nursing homes: "The plan is an evolution."
More than half of New Jersey's coronavirus fatalities were at long-term care facilities, including nursing homes. The state's attorney general, Gurbir Grewal, has opened an investigation.
The report comes as the government announced all states must now meet federal reporting guidelines. The type of information gathered by states up to now has been inconsistent.
The federal government "will require nursing homes to inform residents, their families and their representatives of COVID-19 cases in their facilities." Notification must be given within 12 hours.