Senate Bill No. 1395 establishes licensure requirements for long-term acute care hospitals, which are currently classified as chronic disease hospitals. The bill mandates that the Department of Public Health (DPH) conduct a study to evaluate the regulatory framework governing these facilities, focusing on regulatory burdens and oversight mechanisms that may impact care delivery. The DPH is required to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026. The bill also introduces new definitions for various healthcare-related terms, including "long-term acute care hospital," and modifies existing definitions, while deleting certain language related to blood collection facilities.

Additionally, the bill exempts long-term acute care hospitals from state criminal history records checks for patients, which could result in cost savings for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) and potential revenue losses to the General Fund and the Applicant Fingerprint Card Submission Account, estimated at up to $50,000 and $10,000 per fiscal year, respectively. The effective date for the changes outlined in the bill is set for October 1, 2025, with the study provisions taking effect upon passage. Overall, SB 1395 aims to enhance the regulatory framework for long-term acute care hospitals while addressing financial implications for the state.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 579: