SB 290 Summary

• Repeals and replaces certificate of need requirements for long-term care facilities including nursing homes, rest homes, and residential care homes, effective July 1, 2022.

• Facilities seeking to transfer ownership, add/expand services, terminate services, decrease bed capacity, or relocate beds must submit a complete request to the Department of Social Services and notify the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

• Facilities may submit closure petitions if they demonstrate non-viability, occupancy below 70%, consistency with strategic rebalancing plans, federal compliance, and lack of unmet special services; department has 30 days to grant or deny.

• Department must hold public hearings not later than 30 days after receiving applications and provide at least 10 days' notice to facilities and the public via electronic mail or first-class mail and newspaper publication.

• Restricts approval of new nursing home beds except for AIDS patients, neurological rehabilitation patients, continuing care facility beds, Medicaid bed relocations meeting specific conditions, and nontraditional small-house style facilities with bed reductions.