NURSING HOMES:  SURVEY AND INSPECTION RESULTS

House Bill 4792

Sponsor:  Rep. Paula Zelenko

Committee:  Senior Health, Security, and Retirement

Complete to 10-10-05

A REVISED SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4792 AS INTRODUCED 5-17-05

The bill would amend the Public Health Code (MCL 333.20155) to specify that the Department of Community Health transmit to a nursing home a written or electronic copy of the results of each visit and survey conducted within 15 days after the visit.  Within 24 hours after receiving the report, the nursing home would have to post it in a conspicuous place in the home for public review.  The department would be required to post the report in a searchable format on its website within 30 days after the visit was conducted.

Within 45 days after receiving the report, the nursing home would have to notify its residents that the report had been received and was posted within the nursing home and was available on the Internet through the Department of Community Health website.

A nursing home could satisfy the notification requirement by including a notification in a monthly newsletter or other written documentation, distributed to the resident, the resident's family member or designated representative, or by posting a notice at the entrance of the nursing home.   

In addition, the bill would require that, before renewing a license, the department review the most recent inspection, survey, and evaluation of that facility, and any written determination made concerning a complaint filed within the previous two years.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Requiring the Department of Community Health to do all of the following: transmit a written or electronic copy of the results of each nursing home visit and survey conducted to the nursing home within 15 days after the visit; post the survey report on the Department's website within 30 days after the nursing home visit is conducted; and review the most recent inspection, survey, evaluation, and written determination made concerning a complaint filed against a nursing home within the past 2 years before renewing a license, will result in an increase in costs for the Department.  At a minimum, one FTE position will be required to implement the proposed provisions.  The estimated costs for this position is $100,000. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Margaret Alston

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.