U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association during its 49th Annual Convention and Expo in Bismarck on May 6. The association described the award as one of its highest distinctions, recognizing individuals who have shown exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to long-term care residents, families, and professionals across North Dakota. Since its inception in 1977, only 38 people have received this honor.
The event brought together providers, caregivers, and healthcare leaders to discuss ongoing changes in long-term care within the state. This year’s theme focused on compassion and everyday moments that matter most for those involved in caregiving roles.
“In North Dakota, we prioritize compassion and I see this compassion in action every time I visit facilities and work with caretakers and leaders,” Cramer said at the event. “Caregiving is a privilege and compassion is the North Dakota way. Such compassionate caregiving should not be subject to bureaucratic bullies. I am grateful for this recognition and will continue to fight the bullies, so our caregivers can do what they do best, provide compassionate care to our fellow North Dakotans.”
NDLTCA President Nikki Wegner praised Cramer’s impact: “On behalf of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association and long-term care providers across our state, I want to congratulate Senator Kevin Cramer on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his steadfast leadership and advocacy on behalf of North Dakota’s seniors, caregivers, and rural health care providers.” Wegner added that Cramer’s “leadership has helped elevate critical conversations around workforce shortages, rural access to care, and the growing challenges facing long-term care providers nationwide,” emphasizing his commitment to practical solutions that address real needs.
Cramer has been an outspoken opponent of federal nursing home staffing requirements introduced during President Biden’s administration. He led efforts opposing these standards due to concerns about exacerbating workforce shortages—especially affecting rural areas—and reducing access for veterans. His actions included meeting with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials about regulatory burdens faced by facilities as well as cosponsoring legislation aimed at repealing minimum staffing mandates.
He has also supported initiatives such as expanded training programs through measures like the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act while advocating for more flexible regulations affecting healthcare workers’ visas. According to the official website, Cramer serves on Senate committees including Environment and Public Works; Veterans’ Affairs; Banking; Housing; Urban Affairs; grew up in Kindred; earned degrees from Concordia College (bachelor’s) and University of Mary (master’s); served three terms as at-large representative before joining Senate; assists constituents with federal agencies; raised five children with his wife Kris; they have eight grandchildren.
