HB 1402 -- CERTIFICATE OF NEED

SPONSOR:  Williams (121)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Social
Services, Medicaid and the Elderly by a vote of 10 to 0.

Current statutes specify that Certificate of Need provisions do
not apply to Residential Care Facilities I or II, if these
facilities' construction plans have been approved by the
Division of Aging by August 1, 1995, and these facilities are
licensed by the division by April 1, 1996.  This bill extends
the licensing deadline to July 1, 1996.

This bill has an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the poor weather conditions
this winter have delayed construction projects and made it
difficult, and in some cases impossible, to complete projects in
time for July 1, 1996 licensing.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Williams, Kelley
(47), and Hartzler (124); Johnson County Commissioners; Missouri
Association of Homes for the Aging; and Residential Care
Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the bill opens up
the Certificate of Need statutes.  They oppose in principle
changes to these statutes.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri Health Care Association.

Debra Cheshier, Research Analyst

HB 1402 -- Certificate of Need

Sponsor:  Williams

Current statutes specify that Certificate of Need provisions do
not apply to Residential Care Facilities I or II, if these
facilities' construction plans have been approved by the
Division of Aging by August 1, 1995 and these facilities are
licensed by the division by April 1, 1996.  This bill extends
the licensing deadline to July 1, 1996.