(a) As used in this section, “small house nursing home” means an alternative nursing home facility that (1) consists of one or more units that are designed and modeled as a private home, (2) houses no more than fourteen individuals in each unit, (3) includes private rooms and bathrooms, (4) provides for an increased role for support staff in the care of residents, (5) incorporates a philosophy of individualized care, and (6) is licensed as a nursing home under chapter 368v.

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services may expand, within available appropriations, a pilot program to support the development of one or more small house nursing homes in the state in order to improve the quality of life for nursing home residents and to support a goal of providing nursing home care in a more home-like and less institution-like setting.

(c) A small house nursing home developed under this section shall comply with the provisions of sections 17b-352 to 17b-354, inclusive.