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Lawmakers send assisted‑living bill back to committee for more work after wide floor debate
Summary
Bill 31‑38 COR, proposing a regulatory framework for assisted‑living options on Guam, drew extensive testimony about gaps in the island’s continuum of care; the Senate chair moved to return the bill to committee so the author can address agency concerns and seek waivers or Medicaid coverage clarifications.
Senators debated Bill 31‑38 COR, a measure to create statutory standards and a licensing framework for assisted‑living facilities and similar residential care options on Guam. After extended floor discussion and public testimony, the Health Committee chair moved to return the bill to committee for further work to resolve outstanding fiscal and Medicaid‑coverage questions.
The sponsor framed the proposal as a response to a capacity and discharge problem at Guam Memorial Hospital: testimony included an on‑the‑record claim that 22 patients who were medically ready for discharge lacked placements. The bill would establish licensing, operational and inspection standards for assisted‑living providers, authorize regulatory pathways to maximize funding sources including Medicaid, and direct DPHSS to seek federal waivers or amendments to allow federal funds to be used where permissible.
Floor speakers included representatives of public‑health agencies and disability advocates who supported the intent but raised concerns about payment streams and whether services would be covered by Medicaid or local MIP programs. The Health Committee chair and other senators emphasized the need for rules and regulations, and recommended reconciling GURA and DPHSS recommendations, confirming whether federal Medicaid waivers or state‑plan amendments are required, and ensuring that assisted‑living care would be financially sustainable and not produce unfunded liabilities for government programs.
After debate the Health Committee chair moved to send the bill back to committee for revision and to allow agencies, including DPHSS and other stakeholders, to develop waivers, payment approaches and regulatory language. The motion carried without objection. Sponsors said they intend to refile a revised bill incorporating committee and agency recommendations to ensure facilities can access available federal funds before final passage.
