SB 980 Summary

• Establishes the Veterans' Home of California as a unified system comprising eight subsidiary locations administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, with the Secretary adopting uniform statewide policies, procedures, and regulations for all homes.

• Transfers authority to set admission fees and charges from individual administrators to the Secretary, allows needs-based admission criteria and prioritization for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and expands spousal continuation of residency to include domestic partners.

• Requires the Secretary to implement a statewide electronic medical record system by January 1, 2019, and submit annual reports to legislative committees on April 1 beginning in 2018 regarding census, policy changes, licensing surveys, and patient care complaints.

• Increases the amount of unclaimed resident funds transferable to the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund from $3,000 to $15,000 upon death and from $3,000 to $5,000 upon departure, and authorizes the department to investigate applicants' and residents' financial status and suitability for residence.

• Permits non-payment of fees and false information to be grounds for discharge or financial penalties, and authorizes the department to contract with the federal Veterans Affairs for procurement of goods and services.