Personal care homes; increase maximum number and % of residents who may continue residing there regardless of determination that they need nursing care.

HB 1558 increases the limit for personal care home residents who can continue residing there without skilled nursing care, despite state health department recommendations. It allows up to four residents or 20% of the facility’s total residents (whichever is greater) to stay under written consent from the resident, guardian, or responsible party, with approval from a licensed physician. The bill requires facilities to submit this consent to the licensing agency and does not change the requirement for residents needing skilled nursing to receive appropriate care. This directly affects personal care home residents, their families, and facility operators in Mississippi.