House Bill 775 Summary

• Revises nursing home administrator licensure requirements effective July 1, 2011, allowing four alternative pathways: 64 college hours plus 2 years supervisory experience, associate degree plus 2 years supervisory experience, bachelor's degree in any field, or bachelor's degree in health care administration or related field.

• Requires criminal background checks within the last six months as part of good moral character documentation for nursing home administrator applicants.

• Sets licensing fees at a maximum of $500 for initial licenses and $500 for biennial renewal, plus examination costs; permits the Board to assess reasonable investigation and disciplinary proceeding costs against licensees found to have violated the chapter.

• Eliminates the requirement to provide licensees copies of all investigation documentation before a hearing, and updates appeals procedures and other technical language.

• Authorizes orthotists and prosthetists certified by the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (in addition to the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics) to practice in Mississippi.