HB5645 Summary

• Amends the Nursing Home Care Act to allow facilities with only a distinct part certified for Medical Assistance Program participation to refuse residents from non-participating sections who cannot pay without Medical Assistance.

• Adds a new condition allowing discharge if a resident fails to pay or makes a late payment and the facility follows federal discharge and transfer requirements, including issuing a notice of facility-initiated discharge per 45 CFR 483.15(c).

• Requires facilities to provide written notice at admission and contract renewal explaining that residents may be discharged if unable to pay without Medical Assistance, with written acknowledgment from the resident or representative.

• Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to recoup funds from facilities that refuse to readmit Medical Assistance recipients after hospitalizations of 10 days or less, with recoupment equal to the difference between hospital bills incurred and amounts the Department would have paid for facility care.

• Clarifies that recipients and applicants are considered facility residents during hospital stays of 10 days or less following admission.