CMS had previously said it would not make it available on the internet but decided to do so after a letter from Sen. Grassley and Rep. Henry Waxman, which pointed out that it was ”paid for with federal tax dollars.” 

”By declining to post the study on its web site” their letter said, “HHS and CMS impede public access to the report and its important conclusions.  We are concerned that the decision might leave the impression that HHS and CMS are unconcerned about the staffing problem.”

“Appropriateness of Minimum Nurse Staffing Ratios in Nursing Homes” can be accessed at:

“Report to Congress” Winter 2001

Chapter One, the Overview, provides the most comprehensive summary of the report.  It is unchanged from the original draft written by CMS staff and approved by the consultants who conducted the research. 

Secretary Thompson”s transmittal letter, and the Executive Summary, provide a more cautious interpretation of the findings and their significance.

Chapters 2 and 3 describe the two research studies on minimum staffing ratios.

OUR THANKS TO SEN. GRASSLEY AND REP. WAXMAN FOR HOLDING CMS FEET TO THE FIRE!