(a) The master plan for the overall operation of the veterans’ homes system mandated by Provision 4 of Item 8955-001-0001 of Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2017 (Chapter 14 of the Statutes of 2017) shall, notwithstanding that provision, be prepared by the department no later than December 31, 2019, and shall be revised every five years thereafter.

(b) The master plan, in addition to the requirements of Provision 4 of Item 8955-001-0001, shall include consideration and discussion of all of the following elements:

(1) The locating of future facilities at or within the vicinity of United States Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.

(2) The locating of future facilities near existing veteran populations within the state or the use of smaller homes in a larger number of communities to allow veterans to age in place in their existing communities.

(3) Providing services through community-based care service delivery models.

(4) The closure of facilities.

(5) The expansion of existing facilities or conversion of existing facilities to provide different levels of service.

(6) The local area cost of living for employees at current and proposed facility locations.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 38, Sec. 3. (AB 1824) Effective June 27, 2018.)