AZ HB2173

Establishes a Nursing Care Institution Advisory Council within the Department of Health Services to advise on oversight of nursing homes and issues concerning residents and families.

Council responsibilities include analyzing inspection and survey results, reviewing penalty assessments, receiving public comments, consulting with the state long-term care ombudsman, and developing recommendations for improving quality of care and safety.

Council membership consists of 10 members: three nonvoting ex-officio members (state long-term care ombudsman, AHCCCS director, DES director), one department surveyor, two nursing home industry representatives (one for-profit and one nonprofit), and four public member advocates for nursing home residents.

Council members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses; public members serve five-year terms with staggered initial appointments of three, four, and five years; council must meet quarterly with open meetings and public posting of agendas and minutes.

Council shall submit an annual report to the governor and legislature analyzing the department's oversight of nursing homes and providing recommendations for legislative or administrative action.