The bill amends RCW 74.46.561 to delay the rebasing of nursing home payment rates until fiscal year 2028. It establishes that the direct and indirect care components will be rebased using the calendar year 2025 cost reports, which will take effect in the following fiscal biennium starting in fiscal year 2028. The rates from fiscal year 2024 and a one-time rate add-on in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium will remain in effect until fiscal year 2028. This change aims to provide stability in funding for nursing homes while ensuring that the rates reflect the necessary adjustments for inflation and operational costs.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the calculation of nursing home payment rates, emphasizing the need for these rates to be based on industry-wide costs and to include components for direct care, indirect care, and capital. The legislation also outlines the quality incentive program for nursing homes, which rewards facilities that meet specific quality measures. The adjustments to the payment rates and the quality incentive structure are designed to promote high-quality care for residents while maintaining fiscal responsibility within the state's budget.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.46.561