The bill, identified as Substitute Senate Bill No. 273 with File No. 318, aims to amend the current law concerning nursing home staffing by setting new minimum staffing level requirements. The bill defines "direct care" as hands-on care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or nurse's aides, which includes assistance with feeding, bathing, toileting, dressing, lifting and moving, administering medication, promoting socialization, and personal care services. It explicitly states that direct care does not include food preparation, housekeeping, laundry services, maintenance of the physical environment of the nursing home, or performance of administrative tasks.

The bill mandates that by October 1, 2024, the Department of Public Health must establish minimum staffing levels for nursing homes at three hours of direct care per resident per day. This must include 0.55 hours by a registered nurse, 0.29 hours by a licensed practical nurse, and 2.16 hours by a nurse's aide. Additionally, the bill specifies that direct care provided by certain nursing home staff, such as the director of nurses in homes with more than 61 beds, the assistant director of nurses in homes with more than 121 beds, and any nurse or aide who has not completed the nursing home's orientation or training, cannot be counted towards these minimum staffing requirements. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health to modify staffing level requirements for recreational staff, making them higher than the current requirements. The bill is effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 318: