53-6-106. Health care facility standards — definitions. (1) For purposes of 53-6-106 through 53-6-108, the following definitions apply:

(a)”Department” means the department of public health and human services.

(b)”Health care facility” means a health care facility as defined in 50-5-101 and includes a public health center as defined in 7-34-2102.

(2)The department may enter into agreements with appropriate federal agencies for the purpose of certifying health care facilities for the Montana medicaid program.

(3)The department may adopt rules as necessary to prescribe minimum standards for the maintenance and operation of health care facilities. Standards for the quality of care provided by those facilities receiving reimbursement under the Montana medicaid program must be consistent with those requirements imposed upon health care facilities by Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396, et seq., as may be amended, and by the implementing regulations contained in Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as may be amended. The authority to prescribe standards and adopt rules under 53-6-106 through 53-6-108 is in addition to the authority granted to the department pursuant to Title 50, chapter 5.

(4)Standards adopted by the department may include but are not limited to requirements in the following areas: staffing, fire protection, health and safety, food and nutrition, environmental and sanitation, administration, admission policies, patient care planning, training, medication, health services, rehabilitation services, and social services and activities.