New Jersey Assembly Bill AR147

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/22
• Refer: 6/2/22
• Report Pass: 1/12/23
• Passed: 1/26/23

Caption

Urges Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to increase access to skilled nursing facility and home office data.

Impact

The bill acknowledges the significant role that skilled nursing facilities play in the state and highlights the necessity for better data coordination, especially in light of the challenges presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. By urging CMS to modify its data publication processes, the resolution seeks to facilitate more informed policy-making and healthcare strategies that can adapt to the needs of these facilities. With over 300 skilled nursing facilities in New Jersey, the improved data access could lead to enhanced service delivery and resource allocation.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 147 urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance access to comprehensive datasets related to Medicare-certified skilled nursing facilities and home offices that provide services to chain healthcare organizations. The resolution emphasizes the value of making this information more readily accessible for analysis, planning, and coordination of healthcare resources in New Jersey. This effort is posited as a means to improve the quality of care provided to residents within these facilities and manage costs effectively.

Contention

While the resolution does not seem to have pervasive opposition, any push for changes in data accessibility might encounter scrutiny regarding privacy concerns or the operational burden on the CMS. Advocates for healthcare reforms may support this resolution as it strives for transparency and accountability within healthcare facilities. However, the complexities of healthcare data management and regulatory compliance could present potential challenges in implementing the changes proposed.