CMS initiative seeks to recruit, retain nurses in nursing homes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and individual states launched the Nurses for Nursing Homes initiative to recruit and retain nurses working in nursing homes. Nursing students and licensed nurses can apply to qualify for up to $40,000 in student loan repayment and/or a $10,000 stipend in exchange for working for three years in a qualifying nursing home in a rural or higher labor-shortage area. CMS expects the $275 million program to support more than 4,000 nurses nationwide. The agency and states will fund the program through civil monetary penalties collected from nursing homes. CMS has committed $100 million, while states are committing to at least $175 million. A program website and a document of frequently asked questions contains additional information. (CMS news release, 10/23/26)