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1999 SESSION

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SB 1172 Nursing homes.

Introduced by: Jane H. Woods | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Nursing homes. Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care, with the assistance of the Department of Health, to study (i) the adequacy of current Virginia regulations for licensure of nursing homes and the advisability of utilizing “deemed status” for nationally accredited nursing homes and (ii) in cooperation with the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, the concept of centers of excellence in long-term care. In its study, the Joint Commission will examine the Commonwealth’s nursing home licensure regulations to determine (i) means for making such regulations more outcome-oriented and focused on continuous quality improvement, (ii) opportunities for gathering additional resident and family input as part of the licensure process for nursing homes, (iii) the advisability of accepting national accreditation as evidence of compliance with state licensure standards, and (iv) other states’ laws regarding deemed status for state licensure of nursing homes. The Joint Commission shall examine the concept of centers of excellence with regard to long-term care reimbursement, specialized care programs, and best management practices. The Joint Commission will report to the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions prior to October 1, 1999.

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Nursing homes. Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care, with the assistance of the Department of Health, to study the adequacy of current Virginia regulations for licensure of nursing homes and the advisability of utilizing “deemed status” for nationally accredited nursing homes. In its study, the Joint Commission will examine the Commonwealth’s nursing home licensure regulations to determine: (i) means for making such regulations more outcome oriented and focused on continuous quality improvement, (ii) opportunities for gathering additional resident and family input as part of the licensure process for nursing homes, (iii) the advisability of accepting national accreditation as evidence of compliance with state licensure standards, and (iv) other states’ laws regarding deemed status for state licensure of nursing homes. The Joint Commission will report to the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions prior to October 1, 1999.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Nursing homes. Authorizes the Commissioner of Health to issue a state license to nursing homes accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations or the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission. National accreditation entitles the nursing homes to automatic licensure. However, the Commissioner of Health retains the authority to inspect and impose administrative sanctions. The Board shall promulgate emergency regulations, which must include provisions for patient rights and public access to accreditation information, to implement these provisions. This bill is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care. There is also a technical amendment.