This bill amends Section 135C.40 of the Iowa Code to enhance the review process conducted by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) regarding deficient practices identified in nursing facilities. Specifically, it requires DIAL to establish and maintain a process for reviewing each deficient practice for which a citation may be issued, allowing representatives from the nursing facility to participate in the review. This participation is intended to provide context or evidence that DIAL must consider before issuing a final finding of immediate jeopardy or substandard quality of care.

The bill modifies the existing law by inserting language that emphasizes the importance of this review process, ensuring that it aligns with federal and state inspection protocols and regulatory standards. It also removes the previous phrasing that limited the context provided by facility representatives to only those who had received a citation. Overall, the changes aim to create a more transparent and fair process for nursing facilities facing potential citations, thereby improving the quality of care and compliance within these facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135C.40