CA SB1354

Requires skilled nursing facilities participating in Medi-Cal to make publicly available their current daily resident census and nurse staffing data either by posting on their website or providing information by telephone within 24 hours or email within two business days upon request.

Prohibits long-term health care facilities from discriminating against Medi-Cal patients by requiring facilities to provide aid, care, service, and benefits to Medi-Cal beneficiaries in the same manner, methods, scope, level, and quality as provided to the general public regardless of payment source.

Requires involuntary transfer or discharge notices to include a statement informing residents that they cannot be discharged or transferred solely due to changing from private payment or Medicare to Medi-Cal payment, except for potential transfer from private to semiprivate rooms.

Declares that the requirements for equal treatment of Medi-Cal beneficiaries are declaratory of existing law and not reimbursable under Medi-Cal ratesetting provisions unless a court or federal administrator determines reimbursement is required by law.

Exempts violations of the resident census disclosure requirements from criminal penalties and specifies that implementation is conditional on federal approval and maintaining federal financial participation for Medi-Cal.