Relating to the review by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing of certain deficient practices by nursing facilities

This bill relates to the review by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing (DIAL) of certain deficient practices by nursing facilities (facilities). Under current law, if the director of DIAL determines, based on the findings of an inspection or investigation of a facility, that the facility is in violation of Code chapter 135C (health care facilities) or rules adopted under that chapter, the director may issue a written citation to the facility within five days of the determination. After receiving a citation, the facility may send representatives to provide context and evidence for DIAL to consider when determining a final finding on the matter. A citation issued for noncompliance that has caused, or is likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident is a citation for immediate jeopardy. Under the bill, DIAL must establish and maintain a process to review each deficient practice for which a citation may be issued to a facility so that representatives of the facility may provide context or evidence to DIAL prior to DIAL issuing a citation.