SB3446 Summary

• Department of Public Health shall conduct 3 unannounced visits per quarter to nursing homes to verify bedside care staffing levels, with non-compliance classified as a type "B" violation subject to fines.

• Department must conduct physical roll calls during inspections to verify employee identification cards match published shift schedules and that employees present actually work bedside care.

• Management staff cannot be counted toward shift schedule requirements unless added to the schedule by the start of the shift or in emergency situations requiring bedside care.

• Facilities not in compliance face penalties of up to $10,000 fine or facility operator removal, must submit correction plans, and the Department must post "ghost schedule" notices on its website and in facility common areas.

• "Ghost schedules" refer to practices where management staff are listed on schedules to artificially inflate apparent staffing levels for audits without actually providing bedside care.