Japan Ministry of Health proposes easing nursing home staffing rules

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has proposed new standards for registered fee-based nursing homes and dementia group homes in Japan, focusing on expanding service coverage and relaxing nighttime staffing requirements.

Under the proposed standards for fee-based nursing homes, the scope of eligible residents would expand to include those with dementia or specific medical needs, even if they do not meet the current 'moderate to severe' threshold. To prevent unfair business practices, the proposal prohibits forcing residents to use specific affiliated medical offices or care managers. Regarding staffing, the Ministry suggests allowing an 'on-call' system for nighttime and emergencies instead of requiring constant on-site presence, a move intended to address severe labor shortages.

Similarly, for dementia group homes, the Ministry is discussing relaxing nighttime staffing rules. The proposal aims to expand the conditions under which facilities can operate with only two staff members instead of the standard one per unit, even when units are on different floors. This would be contingent on the use of monitoring technology and established safety protocols. While industry groups have welcomed the flexibility to combat staff shortages, some experts and medical professionals have raised concerns regarding resident safety during emergencies and the potential for inadequate response times.