The recent budget problems faced by most states have affected state long-term care programs, according to a report issued in July 2003 by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The report, entitled "State Long-Term Care: Recent Developments and Policy Directions," summarizes how states have responded to the budget problems, including taking actions such as freezing or reducing nursing home reimbursement rates.

Despite the budget problems, the report indicates that many states have made progress in evaluating their long-term care programs, as well as increased their efforts to provide community-based care. Many states also passed new elder abuse laws in 2002, including laws establishing new or increased penalties and laws further expanding the definition of elder abuse. The report, which can be found at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/forum/ltc/LTC2003.pdf, includes state profiles describing activity in each state.