Establishes a pilot program administered by the department of health and senior services to provide funds to families who care for individuals with nursing care needs
The pilot program is designed to alleviate some financial burdens on families providing care to their adopted children and wards. By allowing lump-sum payments, family members can use funds for a range of needs, including private duty nursing services, equipment purchases, tutoring, and other essential supports for their dependents. These provisions are expected to improve care for individuals with nursing needs as families receive the necessary financial aid to secure adequate services, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided.
House Bill 2120 establishes a pilot program administered by the Department of Health and Senior Services to assist parents and guardians who care for adopted individuals or wards with nursing care needs. This program is intended to provide financial support to families for various care-related expenses, specifically for those who have faced inadequate nursing care for their dependents. The bill defines the eligibility criteria for guardians and parents, mandating prior authorization of nursing services to qualify for the assistance provided under the program. The funding would come from a newly created 'Nursing Care Fund', which would receive appropriations for its operation.
While the bill aims to provide necessary support to families, it may raise concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of the funding and the overall effectiveness of the pilot program. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the defined eligibility criteria and whether they cover the breadth of care needs that families encounter. Furthermore, the bill necessitates a study after the pilot period to evaluate its effectiveness, which may fuel discussions about its impact and the potential for future expansions or permanent establishment of such programs in state law.