This bill amends the Public Health Code of Michigan to update definitions and requirements for health facilities and agencies. It redefines "health facility or agency" to encompass various medical services, including ambulance operations and freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, while eliminating the definition of health maintenance organizations. The bill introduces the term "supplemental nursing services agency," which refers to entities providing temporary nursing staff, and clarifies existing definitions for "nursing home," "hospital," and "hospice." Additionally, it outlines new procedures for the Department of Health to conduct surveys and evaluations of licensed health facilities, mandates specific training for nursing home surveyors, and establishes criteria for waiving certain facility visits based on accreditation.

Moreover, the bill enhances oversight and reporting requirements for health facilities, requiring them to submit periodic reports and grant the Department of Health access to their records while protecting patient information. It allows for the delegation of survey functions to qualified health departments and promotes stakeholder meetings to improve nursing home performance. The bill also addresses Medicaid reimbursement rates and quality assurance assessments, establishing a framework for increasing per diem rates for nursing homes and hospitals based on compliance with assessments. It sets licensing requirements for supplemental nursing services agencies, including compliance with staffing standards and financial reporting, while specifying that enforcement of these regulations will begin after a designated period following the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.20106