Assembly Bill No. 749, introduced by Assemblymember Nazarian, addresses the certification requirements for medical directors in skilled nursing facilities in California. The bill mandates that skilled nursing facilities cannot contract with a medical director unless the individual is certified by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine or an equivalent organization. This certification requirement aims to enhance the quality and standards of medical care provided within these facilities, enforcing accountability and promoting better patient outcomes. Furthermore, medical directors already employed before January 1, 2022, are given a grace period until January 1, 2027, to obtain the necessary certification.
The bill's provisions require facilities to submit specific information about their medical directors to the State Department of Public Health, including proof of certification or progress toward certification. In addition, any changes in the medical director must be reported within ten calendar days. Notably, these regulations do not extend to skilled nursing facilities operated as distinct parts of acute care hospitals, which have alternative requirements concerning their medical directors. This delineation recognizes the unique operational needs of these dual-function facilities.
In terms of legal implications, the bill expands the scope of existing penalties for non-compliance, making it a misdemeanor for anyone who willfully violates these provisions. However, it states that no state reimbursement is mandated under this act for local agencies or school districts for costs incurred related to the bill. The bill will remain effective until January 1, 2032, at which point the requirements will be repealed.
AB 749 has garnered support, as it is seen as a forward step in ensuring that skilled nursing facilities provide higher standards of care through qualified leadership. However, discussions around the bill have also highlighted concerns regarding the operational burden it may create for facilities, especially smaller ones that may struggle to meet the new certification requirements. The sentiment around the bill largely aligns with improving public health standards while balancing the needs of healthcare providers and facilities.