Care homes would provide emergency aid and keep trained workers on site

Care homes would give CPR, which helps restore breathing and blood flow, and first aid before emergency responders arrive. They would attempt certain lifts before calling emergency services. These duties would cover adult family homes, residential care apartment complexes, community-based residential facilities, and nursing homes. Staff would respect known end-of-life care declarations and orders not to attempt resuscitation. CPR would apply when residents are unresponsive or stop breathing normally. First aid would apply when residents are in distress. Lifting would apply only when residents appear uninjured and cannot reasonably get up independently. Certified or trained people would provide or direct aid according to their training. Facilities could not block appropriate aid or covered lifting attempts. If enacted, these duties would start on the first day of the 13th month beginning after publication.

Care homes would keep employees qualified in CPR, first aid, and preventing falls and safely lifting or moving residents available on site. The requirement would cover adult family homes, residential care apartment complexes, community-based residential facilities, and nursing homes. At least one employee would need each qualification whenever a resident is present. CPR and first aid certifications would need to be current. Nursing home CPR certification would need to follow guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If enacted, the staffing requirement would start on the first day of the 13th month beginning after publication.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services would develop or select fall training programs, choose which employees must take them, and issue rules. Adult family homes, residential care apartment complexes, community-based residential facilities, and nursing homes would train residents and the employees selected by the department. A health care provider could certify that a resident cannot complete the training. Employee training would include initial instruction and ongoing skills training in preventing falls, recovering from falls, and safely lifting or moving people. If enacted, the department's program duties would start the day after publication. Facility training duties would start on the first day of the 13th month beginning after publication.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services would receive authority for one full-time quality assurance specialist position, split between federal and state funding. The position would be a quality assurance program specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Half of the position would be funded through the federal funding account named in the bill. The state funding account would receive $35,900 for fiscal year 2025–26 and $35,900 for fiscal year 2026–27 to support the other half. If enacted, the position authority and funding provisions would take effect the day after publication.