South Dakota lawmakers are considering House Bill 1014, advocating for the consolidation of aging nursing facilities grappling with mid-century infrastructure and staffing shortages.
The bill allows long-term care centers to apply for state assistance and designation as “regional” facilities.
The proposed consolidation aims to address operational inefficiencies in outdated facilities, with 80% of existing facilities being over 50 years old.
Co-sponsors emphasize the need for modernized models and suggest financial support for new facilities within a 60-mile radius.
Opponents argue that existing state law permits consolidation, raising concerns about potential financial risks.
The bill has been advanced to appropriations with a do-pass recommendation from the House Health and Human Services committee.