MN SF973

Designates nursing facilities as critical access nursing facilities on a competitive basis, with proposals requested every two years by the commissioner in consultation with the health commissioner.

Beginning fiscal year 2014, prioritizes new designations for economic development regions without any critical access nursing facilities, or regions with the fewest designations.

Allows designated facilities to receive partial rebasing (up to 60 percent of standard operating rate plus at least 40 percent of previous rate), enhanced leave day payments at 60 percent when occupancy exceeds 90 percent, and reduced quality-based rate limits.

Permits two designated critical access nursing facilities with up to 100 beds each to jointly employ a director of nursing upon waiver approval from the health commissioner.

Appropriates $1,500,000 in each fiscal year beginning in 2014 for critical access nursing facility benefits.