SF14 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 infection control and response plan requirements for nursing homes, boarding care homes, assisted living facilities, and home care providers, including testing, PPE use, isolation protocols, and staffing notifications.

• Creates private enforcement mechanisms allowing residents/representatives to sue for violations of certain rights with damages of $3,000 or greater, plus attorney fees and court costs.

• Prohibits termination of assisted living services during COVID-19 peacetime emergency and establishes detailed procedures for client transfers, including pretermination meetings, notice requirements, and appeal rights to the Office of Administrative Hearings.

• Creates Long-Term Care COVID-19 Task Force to study isolation reduction and cohorting practices, with authority to issue advisory opinions and report to legislature by January 15, 2022.

• Appropriates funds for health department regulatory activities, assisted living licensure implementation, COVID-19 testing programs, and Board of Executives for Long-Term Services operations.