Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2024
If enacted, HB 7317 would significantly impact state laws governing the operations and safety protocols of long-term care facilities. By providing financial resources aimed at addressing power outage risks, the bill could improve safety standards and care quality in environments that house vulnerable populations. Facilities in areas that face higher risks of natural disasters would be prioritized, allowing them to better prepare and respond to such emergencies.
House Bill 7317, titled the 'Disaster Preparedness for Power Outages Act of 2024', proposes amendments to the Public Health Service Act to enhance the preparedness of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities for power outages, particularly during and after natural disasters. The bill aims to authorize funding grants that can be utilized for purchasing backup power sources, such as generators, and for establishing regional resource directories to facilitate preparedness for power outages. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that such care facilities are equipped to handle emergencies that may disrupt essential services for residents, especially the elderly.
Notable points of contention arise from the allocation of funds and the criteria for grant eligibility. The bill favors facilities that serve a high proportion of elderly residents or those receiving state assistance and exist in high-risk disaster zones. Critics may argue that such preferential treatment could lead to disparities in resource availability among facilities not meeting these criteria. Furthermore, the effectiveness of grant utilization and oversight could be debated, particularly regarding how well funds are monitored to ensure they directly improve disaster preparedness.