HF 84 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 infection control programs and coronavirus response plans for nursing homes, boarding care homes, and assisted living facilities, with requirements for testing, PPE use, resident isolation protocols, and visitation guidelines.

• Suspends termination of assisted living services and discharge/transfer of long-term care residents during COVID-19 peacetime emergency, except for CDC-approved transfers or health/safety emergencies; allows temporary transfers between facilities for disease control purposes.

• Creates a Long-Term Care COVID-19 Task Force with 25+ members to advise commissioners on balancing resident rights with outbreak prevention and to study isolation mitigation strategies and best practices for end-of-life care decisions.

• Establishes consumer protections for assisted living clients including pre-termination meetings, written notice requirements, appeal rights through Office of Administrative Hearings, and coordinated move procedures when services or housing are terminated.

• Appropriates funding for COVID-19 baseline testing grants and serial screening reimbursement for long-term care facilities, increases Board of Executives fees, and requires modifications to electronic monitoring consent forms for residents.