(a) The director shall establish payment limits consistent with the provisions of section 901 of this title to encourage the economic and efficient operation of nursing homes and other providers.

(b) The payment limits shall not act as a disincentive for nursing homes to address the assessed needs or improve the conditions of residents. (Added 1989, No. 267 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. July 1, 1991; amended 1995, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 1997, No. 61, § 270c.)