Substitute House Bill No. 5046, Public Act No. 24-141, introduces several amendments to the laws regulating nursing homes and managed residential communities. The bill mandates that nursing homes ensure a three-foot clearance around beds for resident care and prohibits the placement of newly admitted residents in rooms with more than two beds starting July 1, 2026. It also revises the admission process for indigent persons, prohibiting discrimination based on payment source and requiring a dated waiting list. Nursing homes must post notices about non-discrimination and are subject to penalties for violations. The bill allows the Commissioner of Social Services to adjust Medicaid rates to reflect bed reductions and building modifications. Additionally, the bill specifies that nursing homes are not required to admit indigent persons if the vacancy is in a private room and outlines the conditions under which applicants must be admitted from closing nursing homes.

The bill also addresses the licensing of rest homes with nursing supervision, the consequences for noncompliance with Medicaid requirements, and the use of civil monetary penalties. It requires institutions to submit a plan of correction for noncompliance and mandates written residency agreements in managed residential communities. The bill limits the financial responsibility of a deceased resident's estate or family to fifteen days after death if the unit is vacated and encourages the establishment of family councils. It revises the qualifications for receivers of nursing facilities, introduces certification requirements for nursing facility management services, and establishes a working group to study the impact of bed placement restrictions and financial sustainability of nursing homes. The working group, focused on aging, must report its findings 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: