R978-1-4. Nursing Homes

  (1) The department shall administer the various state veterans' nursing homes in accordance with Title 71, Chapter 11, Utah Veterans' Nursing Home Act.

  (2) Each nursing home shall have a State Officer who shall act as the department's liaison to carry out the requirements of this act.

  (3) Each home shall enforce admission requirements in accordance with Section 71-11-6 as established by the department.

  (4) Each home shall comply with 38 CFR 51, "Per Diem for Nursing Home Care of Veterans" for per diem payments, per diem payments for veterans with service connected disabilities, payments for drugs and medicines for certain veterans, and nursing home standards.

  (5) The department may contract with reputable nursing home management firms for the day-to-day operation of the nursing homes as provided in 38 CFR 51.210. Selection shall be by a competitive bid process under State Purchasing rules with criteria established by the department. The department shall establish the duration for the management contracts and other contractual terms and conditions in the best interests of the residents.

  (6) Notwithstanding the authority of the management firm to employ and direct all nursing home employees, the State Officer shall be an employee of the department and shall be independent of the management firm. The State Officer shall oversee the operations of the state nursing home.