Nursing facility resident protection.

(1) From the appropriation under s. 20.435 (6) (g), the department shall contribute to the payment of all of the following, as needed by a resident in a nursing facility, as defined in s. 49.498 (1) (i), that is in violation of s. 49.498 or of a rule promulgated under s. 49.498 : (a) The cost of relocating the resident from the nursing facility to another nursing facility. (b) Maintenance of operation of a nursing facility pending correction of deficiencies or closure of the nursing facility. (c) Reimbursement of the resident for any personal funds of the resident that were misappropriated by the nursing facility staff or other persons holding an interest in the nursing facility. (2m) From the appropriation under s. 20.435 (6) (g), the department may distribute funds for innovative projects designed to protect the health and property of a resident in a nursing facility, as defined in s. 49.498 (1) (i). History: 1989 a. 31; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 9.