SB01184 Summary

• Expands Commissioner of Public Health authority to issue summary emergency orders for health and safety violations at health care institutions, with revised definition of "institution" covering specific facility types.

• Establishes civil penalty authority for hospitals (up to $25,000 per violation) and other institutions (up to $3,000 per violation) for breaches of public health and fire safety regulations, with three-day hearing request period.

• Adds two new enforcement actions available to Commissioner: directed plans of correction and civil penalties as alternatives to license revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary measures.

• Increases licensing and inspection fees effective July 1, 2011, for nursing homes, hospitals, and adds new fees for home health care agencies, homemaker-home health aide agencies, and assisted living services agencies.

• Revises late payment penalty structure for hospital assessments, replacing flat $10 fee with tiered penalties (2-10% depending on days late) and allowing up to $1,000 per day civil penalty if unpaid beyond 30 days; requires hospitals to pay assessments by electronic funds transfer.