Regulatory Changes Affecting Skilled Nursing Facilities in 2025

In December 2025, significant changes in the regulatory landscape for skilled nursing facilities will impact compliance efforts nationwide. While federal staffing requirements enacted during the Biden administration have been rescinded, New York continues to enforce stringent state-level staffing mandates, holding facilities to high standards under penalty of significant fines. These regulatory compliance requirements highlight the unique challenges faced by providers in different states.

Beginning January 1, 2026, new federal ownership disclosure rules will take effect, targeting transparency in facility ownership. Facilities that fail to meet these requirements risk losing their privileges to bill Medicare, a crucial payer for many providers. This mandate requires nursing homes to submit detailed ownership information to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), addressing concerns about accountability and transparency within the industry.

Moreover, New York's intensified Certificate of Need (CON) review process aims to scrutinize nursing home operators more thoroughly, ensuring they meet necessary qualifications and operational standards. These developments represent a period of transition for skilled nursing facilities, as they must effectively manage both state and federal regulatory challenges to maintain compliance and protect their Medicare billing capabilities.