Committee backs request for $10 million to fund nursing-home quality metrics program

Chair summarized work creating a nursing-home quality metrics program that consolidates federal and state data into a rating for each facility and said the committee seeks $10,000,000 to reward improvements and maintain high-performing homes.

"We are asking for $10,000,000 and this was actually mentioned in the governor's speech," the chair said, explaining that funds would allow the state to pay incentives to facilities that perform well and to reward improvement among lower-rated homes.

Members generally expressed support and moved the item to the consent calendar so it could proceed to funding consideration. Representative Balinski said she expected the governor to support the budget request.

What happens next: The request for $10 million will be included in budget discussions; the committee moved the measure forward to be considered in appropriations and related budget steps.