NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON CULTURE CHANGE AND USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN NURSING HOMES.

SEC. 6114. [42 U.S.C. 1395i–3 note] NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON CULTURE CHANGE AND USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN NURSING HOMES. (a) In General.—The Secretary shall conduct 2 demonstration projects, 1 for the development of best practices in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities that are involved in the culture change movement (including the development of resources for facilities to find and access funding in order to undertake culture change) and 1 for the development of best practices in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities for the use of information technology to improve resident care. (b) Conduct of Demonstration Projects.— (1) Grant award.—Under each demonstration project conducted under this section, the Secretary shall award 1 or more grants to facility-based settings for the development of best practices described in subsection (a) with respect to the demonstration project involved. Such award shall be made on a competitive basis and may be allocated in 1 lump-sum payment. (2) Consideration of special needs of residents.—Each demonstration project conducted under this section shall take into consideration the special needs of residents of skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities who have cognitive impairment, including dementia. (c) Duration and Implementation.— (1) Duration.—The demonstration projects shall each be conducted for a period not to exceed 3 years. (2) Implementation.—The demonstration projects shall each be implemented not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Definitions.—In this section: (1) Nursing facility.—The term “nursing facility” has the meaning given such term in section 1919(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r(a)). (2) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (3) Skilled nursing facility.—The term “skilled nursing facility” has the meaning given such term in section 1819(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(a)). (e) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. (f) Report.—Not later than 9 months after the completion of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on such project, together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Secretary determines appropriate.