Bill > H790

This bill establishes a Long-Term Care Facility Quality Improvement Team within the state's health department to provide technical assistance to nursing homes that may be experiencing operational, financial, or care quality challenges. The team will be composed of experts in areas such as long-term care administration, nursing, infection prevention, social work, and quality improvement. Importantly, the team's role is advisory and supportive, not punitive - they cannot conduct inspections or impose penalties. The commissioner will develop specific criteria to identify when a long-term care facility might be at risk of operational or financial distress. If the department identifies such a facility through surveys, inspections, or complaints, they may dispatch the Quality Improvement Team to evaluate the situation and recommend corrective measures. Facilities that receive this team must fully cooperate, providing access to their physical operations, financial records, and other relevant information. The bill aims to proactively support nursing homes in maintaining high-quality care and preventing potential service disruptions, rather than simply penalizing facilities when problems arise.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H790