HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	996
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SKILLED NURSING FACILITY LICENSING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of health to recognize nationally recognized accreditation or certification organizations to demonstrate a skilled nursing facility's compliance with all licensing inspections required by the State. The Joint Commission accredits nursing care centers and other accreditation or certification organizations may also be recognized. Allowing the department of health to recognize these organizations will allow the department to continue its regulatory oversight responsibilities for licensing purposes, allow for the accreditation or certification to demonstrate a facility's compliance with all licensing requirements by the state, and allow the department more efficiently use its limited resources for other health care facility regulatory oversight activities.

SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"PART . SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

§321- Skilled nursing facilities. (a) All skilled nursing facilities shall be licensed by the department to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the individuals placed therein.

(b) The director shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 that shall provide for the licensing of skilled nursing facilities.

(c) The rules may provide that accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation or certification organization demonstrates a skilled nursing facility's compliance with all licensing inspections required by the State. The rules may exempt a skilled nursing facility from a licensing inspection on a continuing basis throughout the term of the accreditation or certification under the following conditions:

(1) The skilled nursing facility provides a certified copy of the facility's official accreditation or certification report to the department;

(2) The skilled nursing facility continuously holds full accreditation or certification by the accreditation or certification organization; and

(3) The skilled nursing facility holds a current and valid state license.

(d) The rules shall provide that the department may conduct inspections and investigations of exempt skilled nursing facilities regarding complaints, adverse accreditation or certification findings, or periodic validation surveys.

(e) Information contained in reports of survey and official accreditation or certification letters made by the accreditation or certification organization used in determining compliance with licensing requirements shall be public information.

(f) All other records maintained by the department shall be governed by chapter 92F."

SECTION 3. This Act, upon its approval, shall take effect on July 1, 2021.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	BY REQUEST

Report Title:

Skilled Nursing Facility licensing

Description:

Authorizes the Department of Health to recognize national accreditation or certification organizations.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.