763 Actions taken by the Commission

INDEPENDENT REGULATORY REVIEW COMMISSION

Actions Taken by the Commission

[29 Pa.B. 2542]

   The Independent Regulatory Review Commission met publicly at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 22, 1999, and took the following actions:

Regulations Approved:

   Department of Health #10-149A: Health Facility Licensure--Long Term Care Nursing Facilities (amends 28 Pa. Code Chapters 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, and 211).

Commissioners Present: John R. McGinley, Jr., Chairperson; Alvin C. Bush, Vice Chairperson; Arthur Coccodrilli; Robert J. Harbison, III; John F. Mizner

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Public Meeting held
April 22, 1999

Department of Health--Health Facility Licensure--Long Term Care Nursing Facilities; Regulation No. 10-149A

Order

   On July 3, 1997, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (Commission) received this proposed regulation from the Department of Health (Health). This rulemaking amends 28 Pa. Code Chapters 201, 203, 205, 207, 209 and 211. The authority for this regulation is sections 801.1, 803 and 806 of the Health Care Facilities Act (35 P. S. §§ 448.801a, 448.803 and 448.806). The proposed regulation was published in the July 19, 1997 Pennsylvania Bulletin with a 30-day public comment period. The final-form regulation was submitted to the Commission on March 30, 1999.

   This regulation revises existing licensure requirements for long term care facilities and adopts many of the Federal certification regulations required for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Additionally, the regulation addresses notification of serious incidents to the Department of Health, prevention and control of disease, physical plant and equipment standards, housekeeping and maintenance standards, and fire protection and safety.

   We have reviewed this regulation and find it to be in the public interest. The regulations will ensure that residents of long term care facilities receive quality care and adequate protection. Providers will benefit from greater consistency with and incorporation of Federal requirements.

Therefore, It Is Ordered That:

   1.  Regulation No. 10-149A from the Department of Health, as submitted to the Commission on March 30, 1999, is approved; and

   2.  The Commission will transmit a copy of this Order to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

JOHN R. MCGINLEY, Jr.,
   
Chairperson

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 99-763. Filed for public inspection May 7, 1999, 9:00 a.m.]