INTRODUCED
BY M. Yakawich, J. Read, R. Lynch, R. Fitzgerald, C. Knudsen, B. Usher, S.
Vinton, J. Hamilton, T. Welch, K. Abbott, N. Duram, J. Dooling, M. Weatherwax,
T. Running Wolf, B. Mercer, D. Bedey, C. Keogh, L. Brewster, P. Fielder, S.
Kerns, S. Gist, A. Buckley, R. Marshall, M. Thane, T. Brockman, T. Smith, R.
Miner, G. Parry, G. Oblander, C. Sprunger, G. Nikolakakos, P. Tuss, J.
Bergstrom, B. Barker, L. Smith, J. Karlen, B. Carter, M. Bertoglio
A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of the continuum of long-term care services in Montana; and requiring that the results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.
WHEREAS, Montana has one of the highest percentages of residents 65 years of age or older in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Montana's nursing homes are struggling with rising costs, declining censuses, and workforce shortages; and
WHEREAS, many older Montanans prefer to age in place and to remain in their homes as long as possible; and
WHEREAS, a strong continuum of long-term care services could ensure that a range of services, from moderate assistance in the home to the skilled nursing care provided by nursing homes, is available so that Montanans may age in the least restrictive and most appropriate setting for their needs.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine the continuum of long-term care services in the state in order to evaluate current needs and available services and make recommendations for strengthening the continuum of services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee review the following matters:
(1) the projected number and geographic location of Montanans in the following age groups in the next decade:
(a) 65 years of age to 80 years of age;
(b) 81 years of age to 85 years of age; and
(c) 86 years of age and older;
(2) the current availability of community-based supportive services, including but not limited to case management, respite for family caregivers, medication management, and personal assistance services;
(3) the ability of area agencies on aging to meet the increasing needs of the growing number of older Montanans to support individuals in the community before they are in need of residential services;
(4) the current and potential future use of the Big Sky Waiver and Community First Choice program to support home and community-based services;
(5) the current availability, geographic distribution, and financing of assisted living and nursing home beds;
(6) long-term care workforce issues, including but not limited to the current demand and projected future need for workers at all levels of care, as well as barriers to and incentives for recruiting and retaining the staff needed to provide all levels of care;
(7) matters related to care delivery, including but not limited to occupancy and census standards, the use of staffing agencies and contract labor, the impact of contract labor on workforce shortages, and access to services for high-need, high-risk populations, such as people requiring memory care, behavior management, and other more specialized care; and
(8) other issues identified by the committee that affect the continuum of long-term care services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include input from appropriate stakeholders.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.