HB 947 -- Mental Health Facilities and Group Homes

Sponsor:  Walsh

This bill changes the laws regarding mental health facilities and
group homes for the mentally retarded and developmentally
disabled.  In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Requires private mental health facilities and group homes
for the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled to have
the same requirements as state-operated facilities;

(2)  Adds private mental health facilities and group homes to the
provisions regarding the Family Care Safety Registry and Sunshine
Laws;

(3)  Expands the licensure and standards requirements for
residential facilities and day programs to include private mental
health facilities and group homes;

(4)  Requires the dismissal of private contractor employees who
violate state laws and rules;

(5)  Requires facilities or homes to report staff turnover to the
Department of Mental Health and the General Assembly;

(6)  Places a moratorium on patient transfers until the Family
Care Safety Act is fully implemented; and

(7)  Requires the department to terminate contracts with private
vendors having a pattern of abuse and neglect of patients and to
submit a cost-benefit analysis and written plan prior to the
closure or downsizing of any facility to the appropriations
committees on mental health of the Senate and House of
Representatives for their consideration.

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