It’s been a few years since the Biden administration added nursing home care to their list of priorities. Since then, we’ve seen a variety of improvements in awareness, if not in policy itself. However, we are still seeing clear pushes for better care and improved policy. In California, Governor Newsom signed twelve new laws each focusing on services and protections for citizens over the age of 60.
12 New California Laws
PC: Tingey Injury Law Firm via Unsplash
Addressing various aspects of living and thriving as a senior in California, the new laws include policy regarding long-term care facilities as well as general services offered by the state. One law — Senate Bill 1354 — is titled The Protect Seniors At All Costs Act and not only requires long-term care facilities to accept Medi-Cal recipients, but also says they must “post their daily resident census and nursing staff data on their websites or provide via telephone or email in response to inquiries.” (www.mcknights.com)
The Protect Seniors At All Costs Act also prohibits facilities from discriminating against Medi-Cal recipients, and will hopefully also discourage evictions due to changing to Medi-Cal and encourage transparency.
Another bill signed into law is Senate Bill 639 which requires all medical professionals caring for seniors in California to participate in continuing education opportunities. Specifically, the law says that their education must address geriatric and dementia care.
“General internists and family physicians whose practices are composed of at least 25% of seniors 65 and older must have 20% of their continuing education credits related to geriatric care.” (www.mcknights.com)
Finally, Assembly Bill 2541 was passed which addresses law enforcement. Specifically, the law requires that law enforcement officers must train on best practices “when responding to calls about people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.” This will apply to instances when citizens with Alzheimer’s and dementia wonder away from their caretakers and care facilities. Hopefully, this will equip law enforcement with tactics and practical skills in ensuring the safety of individuals with these diagnoses.
Continued Improvement to Nursing Home Care
These laws come on the heels of some other laws, including AB 2131 which will require skilled nursing staff to participate in extended and continued training. Additionally, AB 2131 requires facilities to offer certified training programs and make this education available to their staff.
These improvements will hopefully encourage staffing improvements as well as more transparency and focus on quality care.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home neglect, call Gharibian Law (866-798-8606) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
12 New California Laws Improving Nursing Home Care
It’s been a few years since the Biden administration added nursing home care to their list of priorities. Since then, we’ve seen a variety of improvements in awareness, if not in policy itself. However, we are still seeing clear pushes for better care and improved policy. In California, Governor Newsom signed twelve new laws each focusing on services and protections for citizens over the age of 60.
12 New California Laws
Addressing various aspects of living and thriving as a senior in California, the new laws include policy regarding long-term care facilities as well as general services offered by the state. One law — Senate Bill 1354 — is titled The Protect Seniors At All Costs Act and not only requires long-term care facilities to accept Medi-Cal recipients, but also says they must “post their daily resident census and nursing staff data on their websites or provide via telephone or email in response to inquiries.” (www.mcknights.com)
The Protect Seniors At All Costs Act also prohibits facilities from discriminating against Medi-Cal recipients, and will hopefully also discourage evictions due to changing to Medi-Cal and encourage transparency.
Another bill signed into law is Senate Bill 639 which requires all medical professionals caring for seniors in California to participate in continuing education opportunities. Specifically, the law says that their education must address geriatric and dementia care.
Finally, Assembly Bill 2541 was passed which addresses law enforcement. Specifically, the law requires that law enforcement officers must train on best practices “when responding to calls about people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.” This will apply to instances when citizens with Alzheimer’s and dementia wonder away from their caretakers and care facilities. Hopefully, this will equip law enforcement with tactics and practical skills in ensuring the safety of individuals with these diagnoses.
Continued Improvement to Nursing Home Care
These laws come on the heels of some other laws, including AB 2131 which will require skilled nursing staff to participate in extended and continued training. Additionally, AB 2131 requires facilities to offer certified training programs and make this education available to their staff.
These improvements will hopefully encourage staffing improvements as well as more transparency and focus on quality care.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home neglect, call Gharibian Law (866-798-8606) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.