Senate Bill 329 Summary

• Requires screening teams to base identification of nursing facility applicants as mentally retarded or mentally ill on written medical documentation that demonstrates the individual meets each component of federal definitions under 42 U.S.C. 1396r(e)(7)(G).

• Prohibits denial of nursing facility placement if the applicant has been diagnosed with spina bifida and the applicant's health care provider provides written documentation that the applicant needs the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

• Clarifies that spina bifida applicants cannot be denied placement in Medicaid-approved nursing facilities.

• Effective July 1, 2010.