HB 2299 -- 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
meet 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 and classify them 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 of up to $25,000 for each day the violation exists or
continues to exist;

(6)  Requires the dismissal of any private employee who knowingly
violates a state law or rule;

(7)  Requires, beginning January 1, 2009, private mental health
facilities and group homes to submit a quarterly report on any
staff and personnel turnover to the department and requires,
beginning January 1, 2010, an annual report to the General
Assembly by March 15; and

(8)  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, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm