GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1991

H	2 

HOUSE BILL 75*
Second Edition Engrossed 3/20/91

Short Title:  Stand./Alzheimer's Spec. Care Units.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives N. J. Crawford, James, Flaherty, Foster; Bowman, Colton, Ethridge, Fletcher, Gottovi, Hurley, Jeffus, Luebke, Mercer, and Warner.
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Referred to:  Human Resources.
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February 14, 1991

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT REQUIRING THAT THE NORTH CAROLINA MEDICAL CARE COMMISSION AND THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION DRAFT RULES CONTAINING STATE STANDARDS FOR SPECIAL CARE UNITS IN NURSING HOMES AND REST HOMES FOR ALZHEIMER'S AND RELATED DEMENTIA PATIENTS AND THAT THESE COMMISSIONS MAKE A REPORT TO THE STUDY COMMISSION ON AGING.
Whereas, there are approximately 60,000 men and women in North Carolina who are victims of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia; and
Whereas, many of these people, who require specialized care, are being placed in nursing homes and rest homes where there is no specialized care for Alzheimer's and related dementia patients; and
Whereas, there are no State standards governing the care of Alzheimer's and related dementia patients in nursing homes and rest homes; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  As used in this act, the term "special care unit" means a wing or hallway within a nursing home or rest home that is separated by closed doors from the rest of the nursing home or rest home and that is designed especially for residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
Sec. 2.  The North Carolina Medical Care Commission shall develop rules containing State standards for special care units in nursing homes for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.  These standards shall include guidelines concerning the type of care provided in a special care unit, the type of resident who can be served on the unit, the ratio of residents to staff members, and the requirements for the training of staff members.  The Commission shall make a report, which shall include these standards, to the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging, established by Article 21 of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes, by October 1, 1991.
Sec. 3.  The Social Services Commission shall develop rules containing State standards for special care units in rest homes for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.  These standards shall include guidelines concerning the type of care provided in a special care unit, the type of resident who can be served on the unit, the ratio of residents to staff members, and the requirements for the training of staff members.  The Commission shall make a report, which shall include these proposed standards, to the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging, established by Article 21 of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes, by October 1, 1991.
Sec. 4.  This act is effective upon ratification.