Requires long-term care facilities to maintain liability insurance
Impact
The introduction of this bill seeks to address the growing concerns over the safety and well-being of individuals residing in long-term care facilities. By enforcing liability insurance requirements, the bill aims to protect residents from potential negligence and provide a safety net in cases where harm may arise. It will likely increase the responsibility of care facilities to uphold safety and quality standards, as they must be financially equipped to handle claims related to negligence.
Summary
House Bill 1372 requires long-term care facilities to maintain liability insurance that covers death and personal injury resulting from negligent acts or omissions by the facilities or their employees. Specifically, the bill mandates a minimum coverage of one million dollars per occurrence and an annual aggregate limit of three million dollars. This legislation aims to enhance the financial protections afforded to residents and guests of long-term care facilities, ensuring that adequate resources are available in the event of liability claims.
Contention
While proponents of HB 1372 advocate for improved resident protection and accountability among long-term care facilities, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications of such insurance requirements. Critics may argue that the mandated insurance costs could lead to increased fees for residents or burden smaller facilities that may struggle to afford robust insurance coverage. The bill could spark debates on the balance between enhanced safety measures and the economic feasibility for care providers.