Section 6114

SEC. 6114. NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON CULTURE CHANGE AND USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN NURSING HOMES.

[a] In General- The Secretary shall conduct 2 demonstration projects, 1 for the development of best practices in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities that are involved in the culture change movement [including the development of resources for facilities to find and access funding in order to undertake culture change] and 1 for the development of best practices in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities for the use of information technology to improve resident care.

[b] Conduct of Demonstration Projects-

[1] GRANT AWARD- Under each demonstration project conducted under this section, the Secretary shall award 1 or more grants to facility-based settings for the development of best practices described in subsection [a] with respect to the demonstration project involved. Such award shall be made on a competitive basis and may be allocated in 1 lump-sum payment.

[2] CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS OF RESIDENTS- Each demonstration project conducted under this section shall take into consideration the special needs of residents of skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities who have cognitive impairment, including dementia.

[c] Duration and Implementation-

[1] DURATION- The demonstration projects shall each be conducted for a period not to exceed 3 years.

[2] IMPLEMENTATION- The demonstration projects shall each be implemented not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

[d] Definitions- In this section:

[1] NURSING FACILITY- The term 'nursing facility' has the meaning given such term in section 1919[a] of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396r[a]].

[2] SECRETARY- The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

[3] SKILLED NURSING FACILITY- The term 'skilled nursing facility' has the meaning given such term in section 1819[a] of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395[a]].

[e] Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

[f] Report- Not later than 9 months after the completion of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on such project, together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Secretary determines appropriate.