HB2901 Summary

• Establishes mandatory residents' advisory councils in nursing facilities and family councils to protect residents' well-being and rights; facilities must hire social workers if councils not established within 30 days of notice.

• Requires nursing facilities to maintain emergency medical resuscitation equipment (crash carts) with ACLS-certified staff available at all times and designate a medical director.

• Mandates disclosure of ownership information and common ownership interests to the State Department of Health; requires posting of medical directors' and owners' names on the Department website.

• Updates staffing ratio requirements effective November 1, 2014, with differentiated ratios for skilled vs. non-skilled care residents during different shifts.

• Requires the State Department of Health to investigate serious incidents (deaths, missing residents, sexual assaults, abuse, neglect) and establishes collateral resources including photos, videos, and records as evidence in complaint investigations.