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revise certain provisions regarding access critical nursing facilities.

South Dakota will update how it identifies nursing facilities that serve areas with limited healthcare options, called "access critical" facilities, which receive special Medicaid funding. The bill changes the eligibility requirement from looking at projected future demand to instead measuring actual current occupancy—a facility now qualifies if it averages 55 or fewer occupied beds over the past five years, rather than being evaluated on predicted future needs. This shift makes the designation process based on real usage data rather than forecasts.

establish criteria for a regional nursing facility designation.

This bill creates a new process for nursing facilities to apply for a "regional nursing facility" designation from the Department of Human Services. To qualify, facilities must be in good standing with Medicaid, develop a detailed plan assessing aging and healthcare needs in their service area, offer home and community-based services, and either build a new facility or significantly remodel an existing one within a 30-mile radius of other healthcare facilities they're merging with.

require the provision of information regarding perinatal hospice.

South Dakota's Department of Health must create and post information on its website about perinatal hospice—a type of supportive care for pregnant women and families facing a diagnosis that their baby will die shortly after birth. The brochure will explain what services are available, note that medical assistance may cover these services, and provide information about grief counseling and support programs. This is a new requirement that doesn't change existing law but establishes a state mandate to inform families about this care option.