Brief Description: Allowing for bed hold for boarding home residents.

Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Campbell, Skinner, Sullivan, Benson, Bush and Pflug.

Hearing Date: 2/12/03

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Boarding homes that contract with the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) to care for Medicaid clients are required to hold a bed when a client is hospitalized or temporarily placed in a nursing home for up to 30 days. If it is determined prior to the end of the 30-day period that the client will not return to the boarding home, the facility may discharge the client and free up the bed.

Summary of Bill:

Boarding homes will hold a bed for a medicaid client who requires short term hospitalization or placement in a nursing home when it is likely the client will return to the facility and the Department pays a fee for the held bed. If the Department or a third party does not pay a fee for the held bed the client must reapply for admission to the boarding home after discharge from the hospital or nursing home.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.