Bill > HB348

This bill amends the Human Services Code to require long-term care nursing facilities to provide residents or their designated representatives with a notice about their legal rights and options when applying for Medicaid long-term care benefits. The notice must clearly explain that residents have the option to hire an attorney to assist with their Medicaid application, and that while non-legal services may offer free application assistance, these services cannot provide legal advice, may have conflicts of interest, and might expose residents to financial risks. The notice must be legible, written in an easily understandable format, and signed by the resident or their representative upon receipt. Facilities must display the notice prominently in their admission areas and make it available separately from resident agreements. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is required to post the notice on its website in multiple languages to ensure accessibility. A "designated representative" is defined as a guardian, power of attorney agent, or other responsible party identified in a resident agreement. The bill takes effect immediately, aiming to protect vulnerable individuals seeking long-term care benefits by ensuring they are informed about their legal representation options.

Health and Social Services

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