SB 503 Summary

• Expands procedures for skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities when physicians prescribe medical interventions to residents lacking capacity to provide informed consent and without legal decision-makers.

• Requires physicians to document determinations in writing and facilities to notify residents orally and in writing within 48 hours of physician determinations, with notice translated into resident's preferred language.

• Mandates interdisciplinary team review of prescribed medical interventions prior to administration, with quarterly evaluations and specific documentation requirements in resident medical records.

• Establishes independent physician review process for antipsychotic medications, including resident right to retain advocate, with review conducted within 7 days of notice and written decision provided to resident and representative.

• Allows emergency administration of medical interventions before team review only in urgent circumstances, with antipsychotic medications requiring interdisciplinary team evaluation within 14 days and independent physician review within specified timeframes.