The bill amends section 3721.04 of the Revised Code to clarify the staffing requirements for nursing homes by prohibiting the counting of nurse and nurse aide nondirect care duties towards the direct care staffing hour requirements. Specifically, it introduces new language that states the calculation of the minimum daily average hours of direct care per nursing home resident must exclude hours spent by nursing staff on activities that are not considered direct care, such as staff scheduling, training, and maintaining the facility. This change aims to ensure that the focus remains on providing adequate direct care to residents.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding the qualifications of nurse aides and the overall staffing requirements for nursing homes. It emphasizes that the rules for nurse aides must align with federal standards set by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill also repeals the previous version of section 3721.04, thereby updating the legal framework governing nursing home operations in Ohio to enhance the quality of care provided to residents.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3721.04