The bill proposes the repeal of sections 197.315 and 198.022 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) and enacts three new sections, including 198.043, which outlines new regulations for long-term care facilities. Key provisions include the requirement for a certificate of need for any new institutional health service, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill specifies that a certificate of need is not required for the transfer of ownership of existing health facilities, except for certain types of facilities such as assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, it mandates that nursing facilities maintain specific staffing levels and submit accurate staffing information to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The new section 198.043 establishes minimum staffing requirements for assisted living facilities, including the presence of registered nurses and certified nursing assistants, and outlines the process for compliance verification. Facilities may apply for a hardship exemption from these staffing requirements under certain conditions, such as insufficient local staffing availability. The bill also includes provisions for the department to impose penalties on facilities that fail to meet staffing standards consistently. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the quality of care in long-term care facilities while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5597H.01): 197.315, 198.022, 198.043