Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed into law a bill that increases transparency requirements for nursing homes in California.

The new state law (A.B. 1457) will require licensees of a nursing home or skilled nursing facility to disclose the name and contact information of the person accountable for both patient care and facility operations with each abbreviated admissions contract. The law also requires a facility issue a written notification to residents and their primary contacts in the event the facility changes ownership.

The bill’s author, Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) suggests that the new law’s notification requirements “will help ensure quality care in nursing homes.” California is home to roughly 1,200 nursing homes, more than any other state in the country, according to the California Health Care Foundation.