Bill > SB679

This bill requires nursing homes participating in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to allocate at least 75% of their total nursing and residential care revenue to direct care wages and benefits, which include salaries for various direct care staff such as certified nurse aides, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, housekeepers, dietary workers, and in-house clerical staff who regularly interact with residents. Beginning in 2026, nursing homes must submit annual cost reports to the Maryland Department of Health by September 1st, documenting wage disbursement and other relevant information. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health is mandated to review these cost reports and submit annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees from 2025 to 2029, detailing the findings of their review, which will include an examination of revenues allocated to contracted nursing care services and salaries of direct care non-administrative staff. The bill aims to increase transparency in nursing home spending and ensure that a substantial portion of revenue is directed towards direct care worker compensation, with the goal of addressing workforce challenges in long-term care settings. The legislation is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.