PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The “Study Committee on Sustainable Models for Long Term Care” of the South Dakota legislature will hold their first meeting of the interim Tuesday.

Committee Chair, Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton, says they have some previous studies to start with.

Hunhoff says the situation has changed since the last study was completed.

Hunhoff says the goal is to find a funding source that will support the changing needs of long-term care.

Hunhoff says she wants the committee to split into workgroups to speed up the process. At least fifteen nursing homes have closed in the state in the last five years.