AZ HB2388

Establishes a nursing care institution advisory council within the Department of Health Services to advise on oversight of nursing homes and issues affecting residents and families.

Council responsibilities include analyzing inspection and survey results, reviewing penalties assessed against facilities, receiving public comments, consulting with the state long-term care ombudsman, and developing recommendations to improve quality of care and safety.

Council membership consists of 10 members: three nonvoting representatives (state long-term care ombudsman, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System director, Department of Economic Security director), one department surveyor, two industry representatives (one for-profit and one nonprofit), and four public member advocates appointed by legislative leaders.

Public members serve five-year terms, with the first appointees serving staggered three, four, and five-year terms, and the council must organize within 45 days of the bill's effective date.

Council must meet quarterly with open meetings, post agendas and minutes online, and submit an annual report to the governor and legislature analyzing department oversight of nursing homes with recommendations for legislative or administrative action.