MS SB2760

Amends Section 41-7-191, Mississippi Code of 1972, to authorize the State Department of Health to issue a Certificate of Need (CON) for construction of a 60-bed nursing facility in underserved minority zip code areas.

Defines "underserved minority zip code area" as a U.S. Postal Service zip code with at least 30,000 residents of which 75% or more are racial minorities (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaskan Native), located in a county with projected need for 400+ additional nursing facility beds per 2014 State Health Plan, and having no existing nonpublic nursing facility.

Gives first priority in the CON review process to applicants who currently own and operate one nursing facility in Mississippi, have demonstrated quality care history without major sanctions in the preceding 24 months, have no pattern of substantial state licensure violations, have implemented all previously received CONs as of January 1, 2015, and are nonprofit corporations.

Authorizes issuance of a single 60-bed CON per underserved minority zip code area that spans multiple counties, with the facility constructed in the county portion meeting the 400+ bed need requirement.

Effective date: July 1, 2015.