The bill amends Section 23-17.5-33 of the General Laws concerning the rights of nursing home patients, specifically addressing minimum staffing level compliance and enforcement. It establishes a framework for determining compliance with staffing requirements, which includes quarterly assessments based on payroll data and self-reported census figures from nursing facilities. The Department of Health will implement monetary penalties for noncompliance, with a structured penalty system that escalates for repeated offenses.

The bill includes provisions for facilities to receive written notices of deficiencies and requires them to submit correction plans. Importantly, any penalties incurred for offenses committed during the calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024 will be abated, meaning that facilities will not face financial penalties for violations during this timeframe. This allows them to focus on compliance without the immediate threat of monetary repercussions. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
265: 23-17.5-33