Senate Bill NO. 2679

By Senator(s) Dearing

This paragraph (e) shall stand repealed from and after July 1, 2001.

From and after July 1, 2000, a Joint Study Committee on the nursing facility preadmission screening program shall be established to advise the Division of Medicaid and make a report to the Legislature with recommendations relative to the continuation or discontinuation of the program. The committee shall be composed of the respective Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee, the House Public Health and Welfare Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, one (1) member of the Senate appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and one (1) member of the House appointed by the Chairman of the House Public Health and Welfare Committee. The chairman of the committee shall be the Chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. Final recommendations of the joint study committee shall require a majority vote of the Senate members and a majority vote of the House members. Members of the committee shall receive the same per diem and expense reimbursement authorized for legislators when attending committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session. The committee shall meet not less than twice annually and shall be furnished written notice of the meetings at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. The study committee, among its duties and responsibilities prescribed and agreed to, shall:

(a) Advise the division with respect to the nursing facility preadmission screening program;

(b) Communicate the views of the medical care and nursing facility associations to the division relating to the program and communicate the views of the division to the medical care and nursing facility associations; and

(c) Provide a written report on or before November 30, 2000, to the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House of Representatives regarding the continuation or discontinuation of the nursing facility preadmission screening program.