HB 767 -- Private Mental Health Facilities and Group Homes

Sponsor:  Aull

This bill requires private mental health facilities and group
homes for the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled to
have the same requirements as state-operated facilities.  The
bill:

(1)  Adds private mental health workers and group homes to the
provisions regarding the Family Care Safety Registry;

(2)  Specifies that private mental health facilities and group
homes are included in the standards and licensure requirements
for residential facilities and day programs;

(3)  Requires the Department of Mental Health to terminate a
contract with a vendor who has a pattern of abuse and neglect or
has misappropriated client funds or property;

(4)  Requires the department to establish standards for each type
of facility, program, or group home into either Class I, Class
II, or Class III standards;

(5)  Specifies that the operator of any facility, group home, or
program in violation of the licensing rules is liable for civil
penalties up to $25,000 for each day the violation exists or
continues to exist;

(6)  Defines "group home," "mental health provider," and "mental
health worker";

(7)  Requires the dismissal of any private employee who knowingly
violates state laws or rules;

(8)  Requires private mental health facilities and group homes to
submit a quarterly report on any staff and personnel turnover to
the department and General Assembly; and

(9)  Places a moratorium on the transfer of patients to private
mental health facilities or group homes until the provisions of
the bill have been fully implemented.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am