Substitute House Bill No. 5046, known as Public Act No. 24-141, introduces changes to improve the quality of life for nursing home residents. The bill amends Section 19a-521b to require a minimum of three-foot clearance around each bed and restricts room occupancy to no more than two beds per room for new admissions starting July 1, 2026. Violations of this requirement will be considered a Class B violation. Additionally, the bill allows the Commissioner of Social Services to adjust Medicaid rates to reflect licensed bed reductions and includes provisions for allowable fair rent to cover building modifications related to the elimination of three and four-bed rooms. The second section amends Section 19a-533 to prevent discrimination against indigent persons based on the source of payment, requiring nursing homes to admit applicants in the order they apply and maintain a dated list of applications. Nursing homes must also record the number of Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay patients daily and provide this information upon request. Violations may lead to decreased reimbursement rates, with the facility having the right to an administrative hearing before sanctions are imposed.

The bill also addresses compliance with federal requirements, detailing remedies for violations, including the appointment of a temporary manager and civil monetary penalties. It mandates written residency agreements in managed residential communities, outlining rights, responsibilities, and services, with new language requiring disclosure of nonrefundable charges and fee adjustment processes. Furthermore, the bill updates the qualifications for receivers of nursing home facilities and residential care homes, broadening the pool of potential appointees while excluding state employees and those with financial interests in the facility. It also outlines the process for obtaining and renewing certificates to provide nursing facility management services, including criteria for denial and disciplinary actions for non-compliance. Lastly, the bill establishes a working group to study aging-related matters, with a report due by January 1, 2026. The bill does not indicate specific insertions or deletions from current law.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill:
AGE Joint Favorable:
File No. 146:
JUD Joint Favorable:
APP Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 611:
Public Act No. 24-141: