AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.

Residents of Utah assisted living facilities would gain new legal protections under this bill, which creates a formal process for challenging a facility's decision to discharge or move them. Facilities could only discharge or transfer a resident for specific reasons, such as nonpayment, failure to follow facility rules, a safety threat, medical needs the facility cannot meet, the resident's own wish to leave, or the facility closing down. If a resident or their representative disagrees with the decision, they would have 30 days to file an appeal with the state (with help available from the state's long-term care ombudsman if needed), and the facility would generally have to hold off on the discharge while the appeal is pending, unless waiting would endanger someone's health or safety. The appeal would be heard by an administrative law judge within 30 days (or 7 business days if expedited), the facility would bear the burden of proving the discharge is justified, and residents would have the right to review their case file, bring a representative or attorney, and present and challenge evidence before a written decision is issued.