The bill amends the Public Health Code of Michigan to enhance the regulatory framework for health facilities and agencies. It introduces new definitions, including "supplemental nursing services agency," and modifies the existing definition of "health facility or agency" to encompass a broader range of medical services while removing health maintenance organizations from this classification. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of nursing home surveyors, requiring criminal history checks and establishing training protocols. It mandates regular visits by the Department of Health to licensed facilities, including unannounced visits in response to complaints, and introduces a waiver process for fully accredited facilities to bypass certain visits.
Additionally, the bill outlines amendments to Medicaid reimbursement rates and quality assurance assessments for nursing homes and hospitals, establishing a framework for increasing per diem rates contingent on compliance with assessments. It sets licensing requirements for supplemental nursing services agencies, including documentation of staffing standards and employee qualifications, while restricting their billing rates. The bill also emphasizes transparency by requiring nursing homes to publicly post survey reports and mandates quarterly meetings with stakeholders to discuss performance improvements. Overall, the legislation aims to improve care quality, ensure compliance, and enhance transparency in health facility operations.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 333.20106