Missouri lawmaker pushing for change in how long-term care facilities operate
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Missouri lawmaker is pushing for changes in how long-term care facilities in the state operate.
Senate Bill 733, sponsored by Stephen Webber (D-Columbia), would modify several provisions related to long-term care facilities.
Current law states that a certificate of need is not required to transfer ownership of an existing and operational health facility in its entirety. The bill would change that, requiring a certificate of need for any transfer involving assisted living, intermediate care, residential or skilled nursing facilities.
The bill would modify long-term care facility licensing by requiring applications to disclose all facility owners, trustees and companies with ownership in the facility. It would also tighten licensing requirements by mandating that applications disclose all facility owners, trustees, and any companies providing administrative, clinical, or financial services, including real estate investment trusts.
Additionally, the bill sets minimum staffing requirements, mandating that registered nurses and certified nursing assistants provide care for a specified amount of time each day. Facilities that fail to meet those standards for two consecutive quarters may face sanctions or penalties from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The bill sits in the Families, Seniors and Health Committee with just a few days remaining in the legislative session.
Staffing at Missouri nursing homes ranks among the worst in the nation, with the latest federal data showing the state falls second-to-last for time spent caring for residents.
Each nursing home resident in Missouri receives just 3.37 hours of nursing care per day, on average, according to quarterly data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services late last month.
Only Texas ranked lower.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there are about 500 facilities in the state that participate in federal Medicaid and or Medicare programs. The facilities are certified to receive funding from either one or both, depending on their certification status and the services they provide.
DHSS reports there are over 1,100 licensed long-term care facilities in Missouri, with 486 being skilled nursing facilities, 326 assisted living facilities and eight hospital-based long-term care units.
A report conducted by the Missouri Alliance for Long Term Care Reform found 161 facilities are what they considered "troubled," with 93 not reporting their staffing numbers.
According to the report, facilities are considered "troubled" if they have a one-star rating, fall below care standards or are placed in a federal oversight program for poor performance.
Webber did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Check back at abc17news.com and watch ABC 17 News at 10 on Thursday for a special report on nursing home staffing shortfalls.
