Issues related to altering organizational and staffing patterns to respond to changes in public residential facilities for mentally retarded persons are reviewed. Factors affecting societal concern for the treatment and care of mentally retarded persons are considered, including public exposes, court litigation, and the development of parental and professional advocacy groups. The changing population in facilities for mentally retarded persons is noted, and the status of staffing standards (specifically as developed by the American Association of Hospitals, and the Accreditation Council for Services for Mentally Retarded and other Developmentally Disabled persons) is reviewed. Staffing standards advanced by regulatory agencies and the courts are also described. Increases in staff-to resident ratios for a variety of medical, educational, and therapy personnel are recounted. Studies on factors affecting staff-to-resident interactions and in turn the quality of care provided are described. The paper notes that few empirical studies validating the cost/benefit relationship regarding increases in staffing ratios have been performed. (CL)