Senate Bill No. 1395 establishes a licensure framework for long-term acute care hospitals, which are currently categorized as chronic disease hospitals. The bill mandates the Department of Public Health (DPH) to conduct a study assessing the regulatory framework for these hospitals, focusing on regulatory burdens and oversight mechanisms. Key insertions in the bill include the definitions of "long-term acute care hospital" and "source plasma donation center," along with the requirement for the DPH to create regulations for the new licensure category. The bill also repeals the previous definition of "source plasma" and introduces updated definitions that reflect current healthcare practices.

Additionally, the bill exempts long-term acute care hospitals from state criminal history records checks for patients, which may result in cost savings for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) but could lead to revenue losses for the General Fund and the Applicant Fingerprint Card Submission Account, estimated at up to $50,000 and $10,000 per fiscal year, respectively, starting in FY 26. The effective date for the bill is set for October 1, 2025, with the study provisions taking effect immediately upon passage. Overall, SB 1395 aims to enhance the regulatory oversight of long-term acute care hospitals to improve care delivery and management of chronic diseases.

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