HB 6543 Summary

• Allows nursing facilities to transfer or discharge self-pay residents who have failed to pay the per diem room rate or have been in arrearage for more than fifteen days.

• Permits facilities to discharge residents who have failed for more than sixty days to pay applied income amounts determined by the Department of Social Services for medical assistance recipients, to the extent permissible under federal law.

• Clarifies transfer and discharge procedures by establishing seven specific grounds for involuntary transfer or discharge, including non-payment, improved health status, health and safety concerns, and facility closure.

• Requires spouses of institutionalized individuals to be jointly liable for nursing home expenses to the extent permissible under federal law, amending spousal support obligations.

• Effective date: October 1, 2013.