According to a new study released by the Department of Health and Human Services, over ninety percent of America's nursing homes are understaffed. Health officials fear the short supply of medical professionals may lead to substandard care for our nation's elderly. The report revealed that up to 137,000 registered nurses and 300,000 nurse's aides are needed to fill the current vacancies.

The Bush administration, though, has no plans to set minimum staffing levels due to the high expenditures involved. Instead, the administration hopes that "an informed public" will create a market demand for nurses. According to the report, the population of Americans age 85 or older will double by the year 2030.