HB 2343 -- LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

SPONSOR:  Wilson (130)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Senior Citizen Advocacy by a vote of 6 to 0.

This bill changes the laws regarding sprinkler systems in
long-term care facilities.  In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Clarifies existing language regarding the installation of
systems in long-term care facilities;

(2)  Allows facilities that have submitted a plan for compliance
for the installation of a commercial sprinkler system to be
eligible for a loan from the Department of Health and Senior
Services; and

(3)  Allows local fire protection districts or fire departments
that are deemed qualified by the State Fire Marshal to conduct
fire safety inspections of long-term care facilities for
compliance with state statutes regarding the installation of
sprinkler systems.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill makes technical changes
needed for the proper enactment of the provisions regarding
sprinkler systems placed in long-term care facilities.  Trained
and certified firefighters approved by the State Fire Marshal
will be able to perform sprinkler system inspections so that the
head fire marshal does not have to do all of the inspections in
the state.  The bill also clarifies the requirements for the loan
program.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wilson (130);
Division of Fire Safety, Department of Public Safety; Missouri
Assisted Living Association; Missouri Health Care Association;
and Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm