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SCS/HB 1656 - This act modifies provisions relating to long-term care facilities. NURSING HOME TRANSITION This act modifies provisions regarding the assistance provided to nursing home residents who transition back into their homes and in the community. Subject to appropriations, nursing home residents eligible for MO HealthNet benefits will receive a one-time transition grant up to $2,400, administered by the Division of Senior and Disability Services within the Department of Health and Senior Services. The funds shall be used on initial down payments, setup costs and other expenditures associated with moving a nursing home resident back into the community. The division will work with the Department of Social Services to generate additional private and federal funding for the transition grants. The Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Mental Health shall work in cooperation to develop community-based services for persons who are moving out of nursing homes and back into their communities and promulgate rules as needed. FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES This act modifies the fire safety standards regarding sprinkler systems and the provisions of the Fire Safety Standards Loan Fund. Facilities that have submitted a plan for compliance to install an approved National Fire Protection Association "NFPA" 13, commercial, as well as a NFPA 13R, residential, system prior to December 31, 2012, may apply to the department for a loan. In addition, the act specifies that all facilities described under the act shall be eligible for the loan. This act specifies that such application and loan shall be available to facilities by January 1, 2009. However, such loan shall only be available until the average total reimbursement for the care of persons eligible for Medicaid public assistance in an assisted living facility and residential care facility is equal to or exceeds fifty-two dollars per day. This act also provides that the state fire marshal shall report the results of facility inspections to the Department of Health and Senior Services in order for the department to make licensure and other appropriate decisions. ADRIANE CROUSE
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