Gov. Jerry Brown has signed two bills authored by Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis. AB 1823 and AB 1793 enhance protections for residents of veterans facilities and nursing home facilities.

“These laws will ensure that veterans receive timely information about the cost of their care and that loved ones in long-term care facilities are included in federal emergency response planning efforts,” Yamada said in a news release.

AB 1823 will augment the notification requirements regarding cost of care for residents of California’s veterans homes. Today, resident veterans receive a quarterly report detailing the cost of care while living in the home. Upon death, a veteran’s estate may be liable for the unreimbursed cost of care.

This bill seeks to ensure that the veteran receives regular notification regarding the actual costs for which they may be liable upon death. The statement also advises the veterans to seek legal advice regarding their assets.

AB 1793 improves local government’s access to federal dollars to respond to the needs of at-risk populations during emergency medical situations, such as an epidemic or flood, where the demand for acute hospital care may surge beyond hospital capacity, the news release said.

“This new law explicitly allows local emergency planners to include nursing homes in their planning and response efforts,” the release said. “This change is an important step in preserving public health and safety of those in long-term health care facilities.”

AB 1823 will take effect on Jan. 1 and AB 1793 takes effect immediately.

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