Section 1 (256B.441) adds a new subdivision appropriating $6 million on October 1, 2012, 2013, and 2014, to the Department of Human Services to provide nursing facilities rate adjustments to assist facilities in adopting and using electronic health record technology.

Hardware, software, project management consulting fees, collaboration efforts, training and support, and hiring new staff are all allowable nursing facility expenditures under the rate increase.

The rate adjustment application and calculation processes are described, and the total annual request is capped at $75,000 per facility with certain exceptions.

Section 2 appropriates $1 million in fiscal year 2013 from the general fund to the Department of Health to provide grants to customized living or 24-hour customized living providers in the Elderly Waiver program. The grants will assist facilities in adopting and using electronic health record technology. The bill describes the award and calculation processes, and caps the grant at $50,000 per organization.

DL/rdr