09/11/2025

CMS Launches $75 Million Nursing Home Training Fund

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed the launch of a $75 million initiative to help address the nursing home workforce shortage. Administrator Mehmet Oz announced that funds will be available to states for tuition reimbursement, stipends, and certified nurse aide (CNA) training programs.

While CMS is moving to repeal the federal staffing mandate announced in 2023, the incentive program will continue. Oz described it as a way to “tackle nursing home staff shortages,” especially in rural communities. States are encouraged to supplement federal dollars with civil monetary penalty funds, which would be matched to expand the program.

For Ohio, this could provide new opportunities to support recruitment and retention. The Ohio Department of Health has historically used civil monetary penalty funds for training initiatives and quality improvement projects; this federal match could significantly increase those investments.

Reaction across the sector has been mixed, with some welcoming the support and others questioning whether $75 million nationwide is enough. Still, LeadingAge and LeadingAge Ohio view the move as a step in the right direction. As Jodi Eyigor, senior director of nursing home quality and health regulation for LeadingAge, noted: “This news is a welcome refocusing on what’s paramount … ensuring quality care. That is, investments in supports and solutions to retain, strengthen and grow the aging services workforce.”

Read the full report from McKnight’s Long-Term Care News.