A Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic has criticised the State Government for failing to ensure that older people in nursing homes are cared for by Registered Nurses (RNs).

The NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner has released the Government's response to the NSW Upper House inquiry into RNs in NSW nursing homes.

Senior lecturer at CSU's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, Dr Maree Bernoth said the State Government has passed the buck on many of the inquiry's recommendations by referring them to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council.

"The NSW Health Minister's response to the inquiry has been disappointing and I am concerned for the quality of care of frail older people when there is nothing to ensure that skilled care will be delivered," said Dr Bernoth.

"The Legislative Council Standing Committee recommended that RNs be on duty at all times in nursing homes.

"While the Government said it supports 'availability of registered nurses where appropriate for the level of care required by residents'  it will not ensure the requirement for RNs will be retained in NSW legislation, instead referring the issue to COAG.

"This raises the question of who decides what level of care is required, and what does appropriate mean.

"If health professionals, such as RNs, with assessment and clinical skills are not a requirement in aged care facilities, who makes the decisions about the level of care a resident needs.

"Those choosing to enter aged care facilities must be made aware that they may be more vulnerable when there is no requirement for skilled RNs to assess their needs and ensure they receive the care that is in keeping with the assessed need."

Dr Bernoth said the onus is now on the State Government to take the inquiry's recommendations to COAG.

"The NSW Government has also said the inquiry's recommendations surrounding minimum staff ratios, police checks for people working with the elderly, complaints handling and transparency are all matters for COAG," said Dr Bernoth.

"The Health Minister Jillian Skinner needs to be a strong advocate for these important aged care reforms at a national level."

Dr Bernoth said there are organisations in NSW which are increasing RN numbers and putting in place strategies to increase the skills of the nurses they employ. 

"So the disparity in aged care facilities is set to become even greater. The onus is on the person considering residential aged care and their family to ask many questions about numbers of staff and skill mix on each shift and the types of staff the facility employs before making a decision about where they will spend the final years of their life," said Dr Bernoth.