BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 318
80R10149 ABC-D By: Deuell
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Research has shown a link between the quality of care in nursing homes and direct care staffing levels. A rider has been added to the state budget for the last four sessions that provides extra Medicaid dollars to facilities that increase their direct care staffing. The program has proved popular with facilities and has been successful in increasing staffing.
C.S.S.B. 318 places the enhancement in statute and provides that the changes in funding for the enhancement rate and the base rate are to be by equal percentages.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Sections 32.028(g) and (i), Human Resources Code, as follows:
(g) Deletes existing text to provide a certain incentive program only to the extent that appropriated funds are available after money is allocated to base rate reimbursements.
(i) Provides that changes in funding for nursing facility payment rates are intended to change the base rate and incentive-based rate by equal percentages.
SECTION 2. Authorizes delay of implementation until any necessary federal waivers or authorizations are obtained.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.