Bill > SF508

This bill requires the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to conduct two types of joint training sessions for nursing home inspectors and nursing facilities. First, the department must semiannually provide training sessions that review the three most frequently issued federal citations in the state during the previous calendar year, and develop a protocol to identify regional citation patterns related to complaints, standards, and outcomes in nursing facility inspections. The training sessions must involve the state long-term care ombudsman and representatives from nursing facility provider associations in the planning process. Second, the bill mandates at least one specific training session focused on the Jimmo v. Sebelius settlement agreement from 2013, which clarifies an important Medicare and Medicaid policy. This policy emphasizes that coverage for skilled nursing and therapy services should be based on a patient's need for skilled care, not on whether the patient is likely to improve. By requiring these training sessions, the bill aims to improve understanding of nursing facility regulations and patient care standards among inspectors and facility staff.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF508