(1) maintain an equitable and fair balance between cost containment and quality care in nursing homes;

(2) encourage nursing homes to admit persons without regard to their source of payment;

(3) provide an incentive to nursing homes to admit and provide care to persons in need of comparatively greater care;

(4) be manageable administratively for both the State and nursing homes; and

(5) prevent unnecessary cost increases. (Added 1989, No. 267 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 1991; amended 1995, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 10.)