Singer Bill to Strengthen Quality of Care in Nursing Homes Advances

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer to help ensure the safety of nursing homes for residents cleared the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.

Singer’s bill, S-2791, would require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to review and evaluate requirements for Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) to contract for the delivery of nursing home services.

“COVID-19 exposed critical weaknesses in our long-term care system, and this bill will help target areas that need improvement, and empower MCOs to suspend or terminate agreements with facilities with poor track records and histories of violations,” said Singer (R-30). “More than 7,1000 nursing home residents in long-term care died from the virus. Clearly there is work to be done to make facilities more secure and better prepared to maintain the health of residents during and after the pandemic.”

Under the bill, DHS would determine whether managed care plans can be used to assist the Department of Health in monitoring compliance and quality of care in nursing homes.

“The seniors who reside in nursing homes are vulnerable and dependent on the facilities and staff,” said Singer. “They deserve the highest level of care possible, and their health and well-being must be a priority. This bill will identify homes that are making compromises, and help resolve the issues.”