Bill > HB0343

This bill amends requirements for nursing care facilities seeking or renewing Medicaid certification, which is a government program that helps pay for healthcare for individuals with limited income and resources. Key changes include extending the timeframe for a previously certified program to move to a new or renovated facility from three years to four years, with specific provisions for extensions granted before May 6, 2026. It also clarifies conditions under which a new facility can receive certification, such as operating at the same physical location and providing assurances that no other party has a claim to operate at the previous site. The bill also modifies the process for approving additional Medicaid-certified beds, requiring proof of insufficient bed capacity and financial viability, while exempting state-owned veterans nursing care facilities from some of these requirements. Additionally, it adjusts the property reimbursement methodology for nursing care facilities to better reflect actual bed usage by Medicaid clients and limits increases in reimbursement for property values unless significant renovations or replacements occur. Finally, the bill establishes a three-year deadline for obtaining Medicaid certification for newly approved beds, with revocation of approval if this deadline is missed, and outlines procedures for addressing quality standards in rural counties.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0343.html