Bill > SB904

This bill modifies Oklahoma's state Medicaid program reimbursement system for nursing facilities, focusing on improving resident care quality and staff retention. The bill establishes a new incentive payment structure based on nursing homes' quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Quality Rating System, where facilities can earn between 40% to 100% of a per-day quality assurance payment depending on their star rating (two to five stars). Additionally, the bill introduces an optional staff retention initiative where facilities can earn up to $3 per Medicaid patient day by maintaining specific retention rates for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nurse Aides over a twelve-month period. The bill requires facilities to submit annual retention plans, mandates electronic reporting of program performance, and allows for redistributing any unallocated funds to qualifying facilities. The changes aim to improve nursing home care by financially incentivizing higher quality ratings and workforce stability, with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority responsible for implementing and monitoring the new system. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and contains an emergency clause to enable immediate implementation upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb904&Session=2600