The proposed bill aims to overhaul the regulation of long-term care administrators in Idaho by repealing existing chapters related to nursing home and residential care administrators and establishing a new chapter under Title 54, titled the "Idaho Board of Long-Term Care Administrators Act." This new framework includes definitions, the formation of the Idaho Board of Long-Term Care Administrators, licensure qualifications, and examination processes. It also delineates the board's responsibilities, such as issuing licenses, setting practice standards, and enforcing disciplinary actions for violations. Key provisions require that all nursing homes and residential care facilities be overseen by a licensed administrator or authorized designee, and introduce provisional permits for residential care facility administrators.

Additionally, the bill rebrands the "state board of examiners of nursing home administrators" to the "board of long-term care administrators," reflecting an expanded oversight role. It allows nursing home administrators-in-training to start their required training hours before completing their degree and establishes a process for issuing provisional permits in emergencies. The board's authority to impose disciplinary actions for various violations is enhanced, and procedures for prelitigation hearings regarding negligence claims are outlined, ensuring confidentiality and informal proceedings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, following an emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 6-2301, 6-2302, 6-2303, 39-3505