AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Thursday to enact a bill sponsored by Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, that would allow nursing homes more flexibility in managing occupancy at their facilities.
As amended, LD 938 would restore the ability for nursing homes to voluntarily reduce their number of licensed beds and then later increase the number of those beds to the prior level after obtaining state approval.
"This bill is essential to improving the operation of our nursing homes," said Perry. "Permitting them to reduce and increase bed capacity as needed will allow them to effectively adjust to demand and staffing capacity while avoiding penalties for low occupancy."
The bill faces additional votes in the Legislature.
Perry is serving her eighth non-consecutive term in the Maine House. She represents Baileyville, Baring, Calais, Eastport, Grand Lake Stream, Meddybemps, Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point, Perry, Robbinston and Passamaquoddy Indian Township.