SB 555

Nursing homes; periodic medical visits and resident assessments; civil penalties. Requires all nursing homes to ensure each resident receives monthly medical visits, including two visits by a physician in person each year. The bill also requires each nursing home to conduct a comprehensive assessment on an annual basis to determine each resident's needs and describe each resident's capability to perform daily life functions. Such assessments must be reviewed at least once every three months, and more frequently in the event of a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. The bill directs nursing homes to notify the resident, the resident's family or legal representative, and the Department of Health each time a monthly medical visit or comprehensive assessment is delayed. The Department of Health is directed to publish compliance information on its website for each nursing home and publish an annual accountability scorecard.