Sponsored by:
Senator LINDA R. GREENSTEIN
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Provides for nursing home reimbursement adjustment for cost of energy improvements.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning nursing home reimbursement and supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Department of Health and Senior Services shall approve a request by a nursing home licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) for an interim adjustment to its reimbursement rates, as prescribed by regulation of the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, during a prospective rate period in order to cover the full amount of costs incurred by that facility to install equipment and devices that reduce its energy usage and produce a net savings in its energy costs. The rate adjustment shall reflect the purchase cost less any grants or rebates received to offset the cost as reported in accordance with cost reporting principles.
2. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.
3. This act shall take effect on the first day of the seventh month next following the date of enactment and shall apply to costs incurred by a nursing home on or after the effective date of this act, but the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services may take such anticipatory administrative action in advance thereof as shall be necessary for the implementation of this act.
STATEMENT
This bill provides a financial incentive under the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reimbursement rate structure for nursing homes to invest in energy efficiency improvements.
DHSS is directed to approve a request by a nursing home for an interim adjustment to its reimbursement rates during a prospective rate period in order to cover the full cost incurred by that facility to install equipment and devices that reduce its energy usage and produce a net savings in its energy costs. The rate adjustment is to reflect the purchase cost, less any grants or rebates received to offset the cost as reported in accordance with cost reporting principles.