The proposed bill would amend current statutes governing the oversight and investigative procedures of the Department of Health Services (DHS) regarding nursing care institutions. Key updates include limiting DHS's access to personnel records to specific information such as names, contact details, employment dates, and documentation of qualifications and training. Additionally, the bill mandates that DHS must issue statements of deficiencies within ten business days after completing a state survey, effective July 1, 2027, and requires nursing care institutions to comply with these statements and submit corrective plans regardless of the issuance date.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a 12-month limitation on DHS's ability to investigate alleged violations based on the date a complaint is submitted, with exceptions for allegations of abuse. It also allows DHS to conduct off-site preliminary reviews of complaints and specifies that long-term care incident reports are to be used solely for internal investigations and quality improvement, maintaining confidentiality and separation from residents' medical records. These changes aim to streamline the regulatory process while ensuring compliance and accountability within nursing care institutions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-406, 36-447.03, 36-2402, 36-411, 13-3620, 46-454
House Engrossed Version: 36-406, 36-447.03, 36-2402, 36-411, 13-3620, 46-454
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-406, 36-447.03, 36-447.04, 36-2402, 36-411, 13-3623