S.B. No. 193 Summary

• Creates a long-term care inspection committee as a subcommittee of the legislative service commission, consisting of eight members (four senators and four representatives) appointed with no more than two from the same political party.

• Establishes a biennial inspection program of all nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and residential care facilities in Ohio, including attendance at one meal period and one social activity program at each facility.

• Grants inspectors unannounced access to facilities during normal business hours, with chairperson approval required before each inspection and discretion to conduct inspections outside normal hours in emergency circumstances.

• Requires the committee to evaluate and assist in developing programs to improve long-term care facility operations and to prepare biennial reports to the general assembly containing findings and evaluations of resident grievance procedures.

• Authorizes the committee to employ a director and staff (in unclassified service), contract for technical advisors, and receive biennial appropriations from the general assembly to carry out its duties.