The bill amends section 50-24.4-29 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to geropsychiatric facilities. It allows the department to select multiple skilled nursing homes to operate units that provide geropsychiatric services. The criteria for admission to these facilities have been updated; now, an individual practicing within their scope must determine that the individual meets the criteria for skilled nursing and requires psychiatric behavioral health services. Additionally, admissions from the state hospital will be prioritized.

The bill also addresses the number of approved units providing geropsychiatric services in the state. If the department finds that the current number is insufficient, it can select additional units based on the experience, qualifications, and capacity of the skilled nursing homes that wish to provide these services. Notably, the state hospital is prohibited from offering geropsychiatric services through a unit set up exclusively for that purpose.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 50-24.4-29
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 50-24.4-29
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-24.4-29
Enrollment: 50-24.4-29
INTRODUCED: 50-24.4-29