CT HB07026

Expands exceptions to Connecticut's nursing home bed moratorium to allow Medicaid-certified beds to be relocated between facilities or new beds added to existing/new facilities, with preference given to nontraditional, small-house style nursing homes that align with the Department of Social Services' strategic long-term care plan

Permits construction of new nontraditional, small-house style nursing homes if the facility agrees to reduce its total licensed beds by a percentage determined by the Commissioner of Social Services

Requires demonstrated bed need for new or relocated beds based on area nursing facilities maintaining occupancy above 96% for at least two consecutive quarters, lowered from the previous 97.5% threshold

Mandates that bed relocations to new facilities cannot increase Medicaid-certified beds and must result in closure of at least one existing licensed facility, with the commissioner able to require multi-facility owners to close two or more facilities

Establishes criteria for evaluating new nursing facility applications including person-centered care, enhanced quality of care, community space for residents, and stronger connections between residents and surrounding communities