Committee moves bill to codify governor’s nursing-home oversight order after hearing on agency roles

Senator Head presented SB 429 to codify a previous governor’s executive order on nursing-home oversight, directing ongoing licensure and certification activities to strengthen oversight of facilities that provide long-term and acute care. The sponsor characterized the measure as continuing and formalizing oversight steps begun under the executive order.

A member representing localities with troubled nursing homes urged the panel to press forward, noting multiple news reports of lack of care and oversight in facilities within her district. Counsel and staff described the division of responsibilities: the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) focuses on broader aging services while the Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC) and its Division of Long-Term Care supervise licensing and surveys for nursing facilities; the sponsor and staff emphasized the OLC has been understaffed and that this bill directs resources and organization to improve survey and licensure oversight.

Committee members asked for clarification on agency roles and how the bill complements another bill directing DARS to convene a work group on facility quality. Staff explained SB 429 is specific to nursing-home oversight and the OLC’s licensing and survey functions. There was no opposition testimony. The subcommittee moved and seconded the bill and recommended it be reported on a 10-0 vote.

The measure codifies oversight previously established by executive order and aims to clarify responsibilities and strengthen the state’s capacity to license, survey, and enforce standards for nursing homes.