North Dakota Senate Bill SB2271

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report Pass: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/6/25
• Report Pass: 2/18/25
• Engrossed: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/21/25
• Report Pass: 3/21/25
• Refer: 3/21/25
• Report Pass: 4/9/25
• Enrolled: 4/28/25
• Passed: 5/1/25

Caption

The definition of adult residential facility; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.

Impact

The legislation has significant implications for state law as it sets a framework for the reimbursement of costs associated with adult residential care services. By enacting this bill, North Dakota establishes a more systematic approach for adjusting payment rates based on current costs and inflation, which will support the sustainability of providers who deliver necessary services to vulnerable populations. The requirement for ongoing assessments and recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services is expected to foster transparency and accountability, promoting better care standards in the long term.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2271 seeks to amend the existing definition of 'adult residential facility' in the North Dakota Century Code and introduces new reporting requirements related to payment rates for such facilities. The primary intention is to better align payment structures and care practices for facilities catering to populations with significant health challenges, including elderly individuals and those with disabilities. By enhancing the financial oversight through mandatory cost reporting, the bill aims to ensure that adult residential facilities are adequately compensated in a manner that reflects their operational needs and the complexities of the care they provide.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2271 appears to be largely positive, reflecting a bipartisan understanding of the essential role that adult residential facilities play in providing care to the state’s most vulnerable residents. Stakeholders, including care providers and legislative supporters, expressed optimism that the bill would improve the operational stability of facilities and, by extension, the quality of care offered to residents. However, some caution has been noted regarding the implementation of reporting requirements and the potential administrative burden placed on these facilities.

Contention

While the bill has been predominantly supported, some lawmakers have raised concerns over the appropriateness of certain provisions, particularly regarding the potential challenges that smaller facilities may face in meeting new reporting requirements. Issues surrounding funding appropriations and ensuring that the framework does not inadvertently limit the ability of facilities to operate sustainably are seen as crucial points of discussion. Balancing the financial aspect of care provision with the need for high-quality service delivery will be an ongoing challenge as the implications of this bill unfold.