Collection of information on costs and revenues; report to legislature

The Commissioner of the Department of Health shall, on a continuous basis, collect information concerning all costs and revenues of residential health care facilities licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c. 136 (C. 26:2H-1 et seq.) so as to provide a means for the Legislature to determine whether it is advisable for the commissioner to set variable rates for payment to such facilities and whether payments for Supplemental Security Income under P.L.1973, c. 256 (C. 44:7-85 et seq.) for eligible residents of such facilities should be supplemented in accordance with any such rates. One year following the effective date of this act, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee and Standing Reference Committees on Institutions, Health and Welfare containing the information required herein to be collected. To collect information concerning the costs and resources of residential health care facilities, the commissioner is authorized to conduct such field visits and audits as may be necessary, and the owners of such facilities shall submit such reports, audits and accountings of cost as the commissioner may require by regulation; provided, however, that such reports, audits and accountings shall be the minimum necessary to implement the provisions of this section. L.1979, c. 496, s. 18.