Relating to nursing facility construction or expansion

This bill relates to nursing facility construction or expansion under Code chapter 249K (nursing facility construction or expansion). The Code chapter provides a mechanism to support the appropriate number of nursing facility beds for the state’s citizens and to financially assist nursing facilities in remaining compliant with applicable regulations.5 million to $750,000. The bill also provides that in addition to the existing criteria, one of which a nursing facility requesting instant relief or a nondirect care limit exception must meet, an additional criterion is that the nursing facility requesting relief or an exception is proposing replacement or enhancement of an HVAC system for improved infection control. For the purposes of the bill, “HVAC” means heating, ventilation, air conditioning, ducted systems, or any type of refrigeration used for food processing or preservation. “HVAC” includes all natural, propane, liquid propane, or other gas lines associated with any component of an HVAC system. The bill directs the department of human services (DHS) to adopt or amend administrative rules to administer the bill.