This bill amends existing laws to include "complex care residential homes" as a regulated entity under the Department of Health in Alaska. Specifically, it adds complex care residential homes to the list of facilities subject to regulations in AS 47.32.010(b) and defines them in AS 47.32.900(22) as residential settings that provide 24-hour multi-disciplinary care for individuals with various needs requiring specialized services. Additionally, the definition of "assisted living home" is updated to include complex care residential homes in the list of exclusions, and the definition of "hospital" is modified to clarify that it does not include complex care residential homes.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Health to seek necessary federal approvals for Medicaid coverage related to the implementation of these changes. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding complex care residential homes to ensure adequate care and oversight for individuals with specialized needs.

Statutes affected:
HB0073A, AM HB 73, introduced 01/27/2025: 47.32.010, 47.32.900, 47.33.990, 47.10.310
HB0073B, AM CSHB 73(FIN), introduced 05/09/2025: 47.32.010, 47.32.900, 47.33.990, 47.10.310