CT SB00278

Requires nursing home facilities to maintain a minimum daily staffing ratio of 2.3 nursing staff hours per resident, effective October 1, 2016.

Defines nursing staff as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurse's aides under state law.

Mandates Department of Social Services adjust Medicaid rates to cover increased costs nursing homes incur from compliance with the new staffing requirements.

Establishes minimum qualified social worker or social work designee hours per week based on facility size, ranging from 10 hours for 1-20 licensed beds to 10 additional hours for every 20 beds over 80 beds, effective July 1, 2016 through September 30, 2020.

Increases social worker staffing requirements on October 1, 2020 to 10 hours per 15 licensed beds plus one full-time qualified social worker for every 60 licensed beds.