HOUSE AMENDMENT

                                                  Bill No. HB 1971

    Amendment No. 03 (for drafter's use only)

                            CHAMBER ACTION
              Senate                               House
                                   .
                                   .
 1                                 .
                                   .
 2                                 .
                                   .
 3                                 .
                                   .
 4                                                                

 5                                           ORIGINAL STAMP BELOW

 6

 7

 8

 9

10                                                                

11  Representative(s) Crist offered the following:

12

13         Amendment to Amendment (115951) 

14         On page 1 lines 18 through 29,

15  remove from the amendment:  all of said lines

16

17  and insert in lieu thereof:    Health Care Administration for

18  the sole purpose of funding increases in staffing levels for

19  licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants for nursing

20  homes participating in Medicaid, above the levels presently

21  required under agency rule.  The Agency for Health Care

22  Administration shall adjust limitations in the patient care

23  component of the per diem rate, effective April 1, 2000.  The

24  agency in expending the funds provided in this appropriation

25  shall establish a formula for reimbursing nursing facilities

26  for the cost of hiring additional licensed nurses or certified

27  nursing assistants. The formula shall provide for an increase

28

29

30

31

                                  1

    File original & 9 copies    04/22/99
    hjc0005                     12:01 am         01971-0060-115311