NURSING HOME QUALITY OF LIFE

COMMISSION



House Bill 5805 as passed by the House

Second Analysis (8-8-00)


Sponsor: Rep. Patricia Lockwood

Committee: Senior Health, Security and

Retirement



THE APPARENT PROBLEM:


Under current law, nursing homes must be inspected regularly and are subjected to unannounced investigations of complaints. When a survey team from the Department of Consumer and Industry Services becomes aware of a violation, or "deficiency", the facility usually receives a citation. Citations vary in seriousness, and are ranked by the impact on the health and safety of residents. Depending on the seriousness of the citations, a facility could face various sanctions, including fines, loss of Medicaid certification, or loss of licensure.


Some in the nursing home industry have maintained for years that there are many inconsistencies between the survey teams in evaluating and citing facilities. Legislation that addresses many of the concerns pertaining to nursing home survey teams has recently been enacted as Public Act 171 of 2000. (For more information, see the House Legislative Analysis Section's analysis of House Bill 5460 dated 6-22-00.) However, some feel that the survey teams would benefit from the input of a citizen commission.


THE CONTENT OF THE BILL:


The bill would amend the Public Health Code to create a "Nursing Home Quality of Life Review Commission" within the Department of Community Health.


The commission would have nine members, appointed by the governor: