DE SB215

Establishes that the Department must inspect each long-term care facility not later than 15 months after the previous inspection, with a statewide average inspection interval of 12 months or less.

Authorizes the Department to assess additional fees to recover costs for monitoring and inspections beyond the standard inspection when substantiated violations are found.

Adds new inspection authority for the Department to determine facility compliance with inspection participation requirements and confirm correction of previously cited deficiencies.

Prohibits advance notice of inspections unless authorized by the Secretary or required by federal law, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance.

Disqualifies former employees of a facility from participating in inspections of that facility for 2 years and disqualifies individuals with relatives residing or working in a facility from participating in its inspection.