(1) VETERANS HOME AT KING. The department shall operate the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King and employ a commandant for the home.
(2b) VETERANS HOME AT UNION GROVE. Subject to authorization under ss. 13.48 (10) and 20.924 (1), the department may construct or renovate and operate residential, treatment, and nursing care facilities, including a community-based residential facility, to be known as the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove. The department shall employ a commandant for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove.
(2d) VETERANS HOME AT CHIPPEWA FALLS. Subject to authorization under ss. 13.48 (10) and 20.924 (1), the department may develop, construct or renovate, and operate residential, treatment, and nursing care facilities and programs for veterans in northwestern Wisconsin, on the property of the Northern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Chippewa Falls to be known as the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls. The programs and facilities may include an assisted living facility, a skilled nursing facility, a medical clinic, an adult day health care center, an activities center, and a veterans assistance program. The department may employ a commandant for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls.
(2m) SERVICES; STAFFING OF HOMES.
(a) The department shall provide complete personal maintenance and medical care, including programs and facilities that promote comfort, recreation, well-being, or rehabilitation, to all members of veterans homes.
(b) The department may employ any personnel that are necessary for the proper management and operation of veterans homes. In compliance with the compensation plan established pursuant to s. 230.12 (3), a commandant may recommend to the director of personnel charges for meals, living quarters, laundry, and other services furnished to employees and members of the employees’ family maintained at veterans homes.
(c) For the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls, in lieu of the department employing personnel as authorized under par.
(b) and providing the maintenance and medical care as specified in par. (a), the department may enter into an agreement with a private entity to operate the home and perform such management and care using personnel employed by the private entity.
(e) All moneys received as reimbursement for services to veterans homes employees or as payment for meals served to guests at veterans homes shall be accumulated in an account named “employee maintenance credits” and shall be paid into the general fund within one week after receipt and credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.485 (1) (gk). This paragraph does not apply to any agreement entered into pursuant to par. (c).
(f) The department may develop a program to provide stipends to individuals to attend school and receive the necessary credentials to become employed at veterans homes. If the department develops a stipend program under this paragraph, the department shall promulgate rules related to the program, including the application process, eligibility criteria, stipend amount, repayment provisions, and other provisions that the department determines are necessary to administer the program.