42-6-104. Alternative long term care home pilot programs authorized.

(a) Three (3) pilot program grants are authorized to study the feasibility of innovation in long term care facilities. Eligible recipients shall include cities, counties and any entity planning for long term care needs or providing long term care including private nonprofit and private for profit entities. The department shall solicit proposals for the grants through a request for proposals developed in consultation with the advisory council on aging. The department, in consultation with the council, shall select the recipients from the proposals received. The department shall negotiate any specific provisions of the grant award needed and shall administer the grants. In selecting the recipients, the council shall:

(i) Consider the extent to which the proposal moves the staff of the facility to a more patient centered culture;

(ii) Consider one (1) project to reconfigure an existing nursing home to achieve a resident-centered cultural change;

(iii) Fund one (1) study relating to the creation of an alternative eldercare home, as defined in W.S. 42-6-102(a)(iii), provided that an acceptable project proposal is received in response to the request for proposals;

(iv) Fund one (1) study relating to the creation of an alternative eldercare home, as defined in W.S. 42-6-102(a)(iii), which shall require that the home:

(A) Maintains residences as units independent from other facilities such that there is no physical connection or shared roof structures between houses;

(B) Provides a secured exterior patio or garden with covered seating for each house accessible by all residents including those with wheelchairs and assistive devices;

(C) Provides for locked storage of hazardous materials and control of kitchen access during high traffic periods of meal preparation and clean-up;

(D) Provides a den in each house to accommodate television viewing and limited overnight guests;

(E) Implements a self-managed work team approach to in-house and clinical support staffing. Each house shall have its own core in-house staffing that is specific and dedicated to a single house;

(F) Uses a home base facility for the clinical support team members that is outside and separate from the house; and

(G) Maintains a lift free environment by providing ceiling lifts in each resident's bedroom and bathroom.

(v) Consider the extent to which there is a market for the proposed facility or the extent to which people in need of long term care are likely to choose the proposed facility; and

(vi) Consider the extent to which the proposed pilot project will determine the effectiveness of its approach to elder care in a timely manner.

(b) Each grant proposal shall include plans for a local or applicant match of twenty-five percent (25%) of the grant amount.

(c) For applicants that have completed any appropriate needs study or market study, the grant funding may be used for design and development of the facility and the organization which will operate it. If this is done, the grant recipient shall agree to accept Medicaid clients in the facility without discrimination.

(d) The department is directed to work with grant recipients in the development of rules and regulations which are compatible with the culture of the homes and which will assure appropriate licensure for the care provided and the needs of the elder residents. The department shall inform the joint labor, health and social services interim committee if legislation is needed to authorize any necessary rules and regulations.

(e) As a condition of receiving the grants, each grantee shall agree to provide training and reports to other parties in the state interested in innovative long term care approaches.