This amendment increases the appropriation by $675,000 each year from the fund where civil monetary penalties assessed on nursing facilities are deposited. By federal law and regulation, these funds can only be used to protect the health of nursing facility residents. The Department of Medical Assistance Services is finalizing an application procedure with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid for special projects aimed at improving the quality of care in nursing facilities. However, the current appropriation related to special projects ($325,000 per year) is limited. The additional funds will provide flexibility in project scope or quantity. There are sufficient cash balances to support this added appropriation.