HB 5506

Abstract

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that by January 1, 2019 (rather than May 1, 2011), and quarterly thereafter, the Department of Public Health shall generate and publish quarterly a list of distressed facilities. Provides that criteria for inclusion of certified facilities on the list shall be those used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for its Special Focus Facility List (rather than U.S. General Accounting Office in report 9-689, until such time as the Department by rule modifies the criteria). Provides that there shall be no more than 10 distressed facilities at any one time using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Special Focus Facilities criteria. Provides that the Department shall, by rule, adopt criteria to identify non-Medicaid-certified facilities that are distressed and shall publish this list quarterly beginning October 1, 2019 (rather than October 1, 2011). Provides that the Department may (rather than if the distressed facility does not seek the assistance of an independent consultant, the Department shall) place a monitor in (rather than place a monitor or a temporary manager in) the facility, depending on the Department's assessment of the condition of the facility. Provides that a distressed facility shall develop (rather than may contract with an independent consultant to develop and assist in the implementation of) a plan of improvement to bring and keep the facility in compliance with the Act and, if applicable, with federal certification requirements. Provides that by February 1, 2020 (rather than February 1, 2011), the Department of Public Health shall make a specified report to the General Assembly. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.