WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is claiming “resounding vindication” from an independent commission’s report on the coronavirus crisis in nursing homes.

Some panel members say that’s a misinterpretation of their conclusion that much remains to be done to safeguard vulnerable residents.

People in long-term care facilities represent less than 1% of the U.S. population but more than 40% of the coronavirus deaths, according to the COVID Tracking Project, which has tallied 77,000 deaths among residents and staff.

Vice President Mike Pence met with some of the commission members Thursday and called their report “a significant contribution to our ongoing effort to ensure the health and well-being of our seniors in nursing homes and long-term care facilities around the country.”

The commission was set up by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. Agency administrator Seema Verma called its findings “an invaluable action plan for the future and a resounding vindication of our overall approach to date.”

But with 27 major recommendations in the commission report, it’s not time for officials to take a bow, several members noted.

“There’s an enormous to-do list in front of us,” said Terry Fulmer, a commission member and president of the John A. Hartford Foundation, which works to improve care for older adults.

The administration says it has already acted, or made progress, on most issues flagged.

It hasn’t gone far enough, said Fulmer.

“We need to get the real data that will tell us where we’re still lacking testing, (protective equipment), and appropriate staffing,” she said. “We need to really watch the autumn flu season and really keep an close eye on any uptick with the virus — that’s what I’m most worried about. We don’t have a national policy that we are following so we can ensure we have quality across our entire nation, so we are looking for progress there.”

Among the top recommendations in the 186-page report:

o Establish a national testing strategy. After a start in which the White House tried to delegate testing in nursing homes to the states, the administration has been shipping fast-test machines to facilities. But there’s concern about ongoing supplies, staff training and other issues.

o Guarantee supplies of PPE, or personal protective equipment. Earlier this summer, as COVID-19 rebounded across the South and West, 1 in 5 nursing homes faced PPE shortages. The commission called on the government to take responsibility, guaranteeing a three-month supply of high-quality gear for facilities. The administration says it has provided money for PPE and in August began shipping N95 masks to nursing homes that reported shortages.

o Safely resume family visits. Nursing homes have been in lockdown since mid-March, and that has taken a toll on the well-being of residents. The commission recommended a detailed template for how nursing homes can safely resume visitation. The administration says it has already provided guidance.

o More help with infection control. Moving residents within a facility to separate those infected with COVID-19 is one of the main ways to contain outbreaks. But that can involve added costs and challenges. The commission said clearer government guidance is needed.