The bill authorizes the Department of Health to approve alterations or additions to health care facilities solely for health care and life safety compliance determinations. It amends existing law to require that any plans for construction or changes to health care facilities must be submitted for preliminary inspection and approval, with a specific focus on compliance with health care and life safety standards. Additionally, the bill repeals existing limitations on bed expansion for nursing care facilities and hospitals, allowing for greater flexibility in accommodating patient needs.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Health report to the Joint Labor, Health, and Social Services Interim Committee by September 1, 2029, on the status of nursing care facility construction and the impact of the new regulations on hospitals and nursing care facilities. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-2-906, 35-2-901