The bill amends the requirements for hospice agencies and home health services regarding their geographic service areas. It allows licensed home health services agencies and hospice agencies to expand their service areas without needing an additional permit, provided they have a primary or branch office within 100 miles of the new service location. The bill specifies that expansions can only occur on the first day of a calendar quarter, and agencies must notify the Department of Health and the Health Services Permit Agency at least 45 days in advance of providing services in the expanded area.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health and the Health Services Permit Agency record any expansions in service areas in their publicly distributed records. It also establishes that agencies providing services outside of their permitted service area will face penalties as outlined in existing laws. The changes aim to streamline the process for hospice and home health agencies while ensuring compliance and oversight.

Statutes affected:
SB 269: 20-8-107(a)