MS HB236

Nursing home owners and operators must purchase and maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance per facility covering each resident per occurrence of negligence.

Liability coverage must include indemnity for the insured only, with defense costs excluded from coverage.

Nursing home operators must provide written proof of liability insurance to the State Department of Health before establishing, owning, or operating a facility in the state.

Owners and operators must disclose liability insurance coverage status to patients or contracting parties in writing before contract signature, in bold conspicuous type larger than other contract text, and must display disclosure prominently at the facility.

The State Department of Health may suspend or revoke a nursing home license if the owner or operator violates these requirements; "nursing home" includes personal care homes, assisted living facilities, hospice care services, and long-term care facilities providing medical, personal, or custodial care.

The act takes effect July 1, 2015.