HB 643 -- HOME HEALTH AGENCIES

Survey inspections by the Department of Health will be made upon
home health agencies every 36 months for agencies in business at
least that period of time.  The frequency of inspection will be
determined by factors such as complaints received and changes in
management, supervision, or ownership.  Annual inspections will
be made upon businesses in operation less than 36 consecutive
months.  Surveys in lieu of the department survey are acceptable
if they are comparable in scope and method and are conducted at
the periodic rate mentioned above.

Licenses will be renewed annually upon departmental approval.

HB 643 -- HOME HEALTH AGENCIES (Barry)

Survey inspections by the Department of Health will be made upon
home health agencies every 36 months for agencies in business at
least that period of time. The frequency of inspection will be
determined by factors such as complaints received and changes in
management, supervision, or ownership. Annual inspections will
be made upon businesses in operation less than 36 consecutive
months. Surveys in lieu of the department survey are acceptable,
if comparable in scope and method and conducted at the periodic
rate mentioned above.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 643 -- HOME HEALTH AGENCIES

SPONSOR:  Barry

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on  Public Health & Safety by a vote of 15 to 0.

Survey inspections by the Department of Health will be made upon
home health agencies every 36 months for agencies in business at
least that period of time. The frequency of inspection will be
determined by factors such as complaints received and changes in
management, supervision, or ownership. Annual inspections will
be made upon businesses in operation less than 36 consecutive
months. Surveys in lieu of the department survey are acceptable,
if comparable in scope and method and conducted at the periodic
rate mentioned above.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill will mirror the
federal standards and reduce the amount of inspections. This

type of flexibility will allow limited resources to be directed
to problem areas.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Barry; Division for
Health Standards and Licensure; Missouri Alliance for Home Care;
Missouri Hospital Association; and American Association of
Retired Persons.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Harolyn Light, Research Analyst

HB 643 -- Home Health Agencies

Sponsor:  Barry

Survey inspections by the Department of Health will be made upon
home health agencies every 36 months for agencies in business at
least that period of time. The frequency of inspection will be
determined by factors such as complaints received and changes in
management, supervision, or ownership. Annual inspections will
be made upon businesses in operation less than 36 consecutive
months. Surveys in lieu of the department survey are acceptable,
if comparable in scope and method and conducted at the periodic
rate mentioned above.