AB 950 Summary

• Creates a new health facility licensing category for "hospice facilities" operated by licensed and certified hospice providers, requiring the State Department of Public Health to develop regulations governing licensure by June 30, 2015.

• Hospice facilities must provide or arrange for medical direction, skilled nursing, palliative care, social services, bereavement services, volunteer services, dietary and pharmaceutical services, therapy services, and maintain adequate physical environments with a homelike setting.

• Hospice facility staffing must meet minimum standards equivalent to congregate living health facilities; facilities with more than 19 beds or multistory buildings must meet hospital building and seismic safety standards.

• Establishes licensure fees for hospice facilities equivalent to congregate living health facility fees in the first year, with subsequent fees set according to standard fee-setting procedures.

• Requires hospice facilities to conduct criminal background checks on employees, volunteers, and contractors in accordance with federal Medicare conditions of participation.