Nursing Home Reform and House Bill 2019: past, present, and future

Abstract

On May 25, 2000, in the wake of the scandal at the Oklahoma State Department of Health related to corruption on the inspection of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the Oklahoma State Legislature passed House Bill 2019 (HB 2019). Known as the Oklahoma 2001 Healthcare Initiative, HB 2019 has as one of its main purposes the improvement of the public health care system (i.e. Medicaid) in the state through the provision of increased health services and benefits, especially to residents (Medicaid and non-Medicaid) in nursing homes. This article will review and discuss the past, present, and future implications of HB 2019 both on the care delivered to nursing home residents and on the providers of that care.