Section 1276.7 Of Article 3. Regulations From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 2. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 3.
1276.7
. (a) (1) On or before May 1, 2001, the department shall
determine the need, and provide subsequent recommendations, for any
increase in the minimum number of nursing hours per patient day in
skilled nursing facilities. The department shall analyze the
relationship between staffing levels and quality of care in skilled
nursing facilities. The analysis shall include, but not be limited
to, all of the following:
(A) A determination of average staffing levels in this state.
(B) A review of facility expenditures on nursing staff, including
salary, wages, and benefits.
(C) A review of other states' staffing requirements as relevant to
this state.
(D) A review of available research and reports on the issue of
staffing levels and quality of care.
(E) The number of Medi-Cal beds in a facility.
(F) The corporate status of the facility.
(G) Information on compliance with both state and federal
standards.
(H) Work force availability trends.
(2) The department shall prepare a report on its analysis and
recommendations and submit this report to the Legislature, including
its recommendations for any staffing increases and proposed
timeframes and costs for implementing any increase.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish sufficient
staffing levels required to provide quality skilled nursing care. It
is further the intent of the Legislature to increase the minimum
number of direct care nursing hours per patient day in skilled
nursing facilities to 3.5 hours by 2004 or to whatever staffing
levels the department determines are required to provide California
nursing home residents with a safe environment and quality skilled
nursing care.