Nursing facilities will get some staffing relief under a proposal unveiled late last month. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposes allowing trained feeding assistants to help residents eat and drink, especially at meal times. Individuals would be required to complete a state-approved course to qualify as trained assistants. Currently, only certified nursing assistants and other health care professionals, or family and volunteers can help residents with this task. HHS envisions that students and retirees may serve as feeding assistants. CMS published the proposed rule on feeding assistants in the March 29 Federal Register with a 60-day comment period.