A. Beginning July 1, 2004, at the time of licensure renewal for nursing homes enrolled in the Medicaid program, those nursing homes enrolled in the Medicaid program shall also be certified for participation in the Medicare Part A skilled nursing facility program.

            B. For any licensing application or renewal on or after July 1, 2004, nursing home providers may be granted a one hundred eighty-day grace period in which to certify for Medicare program participation, any beds that will be enrolled in the Medicaid program. This grace period may be granted by the Louisiana Department of Health, licensing and certification division, upon good cause shown.

            C. If at time of license renewal or at any time after a grace period expires, a Medicaid nursing home provider fails to meet the requirements of Subsection A of this Section, such failure may result in Medicaid de-certification of the facility that fails to comply.

            D. However, a skilled nursing facility enrolled in the Medicare Part A program shall not be required to enroll in the Medicaid program. If a Medicare certified skilled nursing facility desires to become Medicaid certified, it shall be required to comply with all requirements of the Facility Need Review program as set forth in La. Rev. Stat. 40:2116(B)(1) et seq.

            Acts 2004, No. 317, §1.