CA SB1228

Establishes the Small House Skilled Nursing Facilities Pilot Program to authorize up to 10 small, homelike skilled nursing facilities operating until January 1, 2020, designed to provide patient-centered care in residential settings rather than institutional environments.

Requires pilot facilities to have no more than 12 beds per home, include private bathrooms, kitchens where residents can prepare meals, outdoor access, and minimal institutional features like nursing stations or room numbers.

Permits the Department of Public Health to waive standard skilled nursing facility regulations if patient health and safety are not adversely affected, and allows flexible staffing models including "versatile workers" who provide combined clinical and non-clinical care.

Mandates the Department of Public Health to submit a report to the Legislature at least 24 months before the pilot program ends evaluating cost, safety, and quality of care outcomes.

Requires pilot facilities to pay standard licensing fees for skilled nursing facilities and receive Medi-Cal reimbursement at peer group weighted average rates, with all program costs borne by participating facilities.