Bill > S352

This bill aims to stabilize the Commonwealth's nursing facilities in several ways. First, it requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to use the annual unadjusted Skilled Nursing Facility Market Basket Update, as established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, to determine the annual inflation factor for nursing home allowable costs. Second, it directs the Executive Office to use calendar year 2017 costs as the base year for setting MassHealth nursing facility rates, and to update the base year annually in subsequent rate years. Third, it establishes an extended care career ladder grant program through the Commonwealth Corporation to provide training and education for certified nurses' aides, home health aides, and other entry-level long-term care workers. Finally, it creates a tuition reimbursement program within the Department of Public Health to cover the costs of certified nursing assistant training for individuals who begin employment at a licensed nursing facility within 12 months of completing the training.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S352