BILL ANALYSIS ------------------------------------------------------------ |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 950| |Office of Senate Floor Analyses | | |1020 N Street, Suite 524 | | |(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | | |327-4478 | | ------------------------------------------------------------ CONSENT Bill No: SB 950 Author: Wiggins (D) Amended: As introduced Vote: 21 SENATE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE : 4-0, 4/13/10 AYES: Denham, Correa, Negrete McLeod, Cedillo NO VOTE RECORDED: Wyland, Vacancy, Vacancy SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE : 4-0, 4/20/10 AYES: Corbett, Harman, Hancock, Leno NO VOTE RECORDED: Walters SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : Senate Rule 28.8 SUBJECT : Veterans homes: accounting for charges: written notification SOURCE : Author DIGEST : This bill requires the written notice given to a resident of a California veterans home to also include the terms and conditions upon which the member fees and costs can be changed, and requires a signature of the veteran to acknowledge that he/she has read and understands the notice. This bill also requires the notice to be written in plain, straightforward language, as specified. ANALYSIS : Existing law establishes the veterans' homes CONTINUED SB 950 Page 2 and requires certain procedures that properly notify potential residents in writing by the administrator of any costs that may be incurred "in excess of the member contribution fee". (Section 1035.7 of the Military and Veterans Code) The notification is required to include the following: 1. "Explanation of circumstances under which the member may incur costs". 2. "Specifically indicate that these excess costs of care are costs in addition to, or above and beyond, the member contribution fee". 3. Provide examples of "excess costs of care that are frequently incurred by veterans". 4. Notify the would-be resident that a quarterly accounting of the costs will be provided although the statement is for information purposes only. 5. "Inform the veteran that, if he or she is a resident of the home at the time of death, the home may disburse his or her moneys or personal property for payment of unreimbursed excess costs of care". 6. Provide an advisory to the resident to seek legal expertise on the protection of his/her assets. This bill requires: 1. That terms and conditions for entry into veterans' homes are written in plain language. 2. That potential residents must be notified of any terms or conditions that may change fees and costs. 3. A signature from the veteran that he/she has read and understands the notifications given. Comments According to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee SB 950 Page 3 analysis, in the Fall of 2009, Medal of Honor winner Alejandro Ruiz passed from this life at the California Veterans' Home at Yountville. Shortly thereafter, a news story developed when Mr. Ruiz's family was billed $262,500 for his four years at Yountville that was above and beyond the $3,000 per month he was paying during his time as a resident. According to news reports, the family of Mr. Ruiz was unaware of the sum required beyond the $3,000 per month. Mr. Ruiz left the family $60,000. As noted above, many requirements to inform California veterans' home residents of their rights already exist in current law. However, there is no requirement in the code at the present time to have the veteran or his/her family sign anything acknowledging any understanding of the rules or how they work. Additionally, the proposed "plain, straightforward language" requirement seeks to better ensure the veteran or the family knows what is being signed. FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No TSM:mw 5/4/10 Senate Floor Analyses SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED **** END ****