The repeal of the current transfer provisions will alter how nursing home bed availability is managed within the state. Under the previous law, nursing home facilities were allowed to negotiate the transfer of beds based on certain guidelines which facilitated a more flexible approach to managing their capacity. The new bill aims to enforce a more centralized method of redistributing beds, ensuring that availability aligns with state health planning requirements and demographic considerations, particularly with respect to populations aged 65 and over.
Summary
Assembly Bill 119 aims to repeal the provisions under section 150.345 of the statutes that govern the transfer of nursing home beds in Wisconsin. Currently, this section allows for the transfer of licensed nursing home beds between facilities under specific circumstances, which include geographic proximity and ownership by the same entity. The bill proposes a significant change in this process by eliminating the ability to transfer beds altogether, thus requiring closed nursing home beds to be made available for redistribution under existing state procedures. This would shift the responsibility for managing nursing home bed availability back to the Department of Health Services (DHS).
Contention
There are likely to be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly among stakeholders in the healthcare community. Supporters may argue that the new framework promotes equitable access to nursing home resources and ensures that all areas meet minimum bed availability standards as specified by the DHS. Critics, however, might raise concerns about the loss of flexibility for nursing home operators and the potential for longer wait times for bed assignments in certain regions. This debate will likely hinge on balancing the need for regulatory consistency with the operational realities of nursing homes across Wisconsin.
Consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)
Consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)
Supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days and an enhanced rate to nursing homes for bariatric and extensive wound care under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)
Supplemental payments to hospitals with avoidable patient days and an enhanced rate to nursing homes for bariatric and extensive wound care under the Medical Assistance program. (FE)
Legalizing the possession of marijuana; medical marijuana; regulating the production, processing, and sale of marijuana; expunging or redesignating past convictions for marijuana-related crimes; equity grants; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)
Legalizing the possession of marijuana; medical marijuana; regulating the production, processing, and sale of marijuana; expunging or redesignating past convictions for marijuana-related crimes; equity grants; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)