(d) The Task Force shall study the quality of care in Maryland nursing
facilities, including:

(1) current quality of care standards for nursing facilities;

(2) current staffing patterns and staffing standards;

(3) current policies and procedures for inspecting nursing facilities and
responding to quality of care complaints;

(4) the findings of a March 1999 U.S. General Accounting Office report
on nursing home complaints to the Special Committee on Aging of the U.S. Congress;

(5) a comparison of the Maryland standards, policies, and procedures to
those in other states;

(6) the labor pool available to fill nursing jobs; and

(7) State funding mechanisms for nursing facilities and regulation of
nursing facilities.

(e) The Task Force shall recommend:

(1) changes to current standards, policies, and procedures necessary to
ensure quality of care in nursing facilities;

(2) if necessary, a methodology for determining appropriate levels of
staffing and standards; and

(3) if necessary, changes to funding mechanisms.

(f) The Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the
Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General
Assembly on or before December 1, 1999.

(g) The Department of Aging, with assistance from the Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Legislative Services, shall provide staff
support for the Task Force.

SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 5 of this Act shall
take effect June 1, 1999. It shall remain effective for a period of 1 year and, at the end
of May 31, 2000, with no further action required by the General Assembly, Section 5 of
this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.

SECTION 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Sections 1 and 4 of this
Act shall take effect July 1, 1999. Sections 1 and 4 of this Act shall remain effective for
a period of 3 years and, at the end of June 30, 2002, with no further action required by
the General Assembly, Sections 1 and 4 of this Act shall be abrogated and of no further
force and effect.

SECTION 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in
Sections 6 and 7 of this Act, this Act shall take effect October 1, 1999.