Missouri House Bill HB1825

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

Creates provisions relating to inspections of residential care facilities and assisted living facilities

Impact

The major impact of HB 1825 is the potential reduction in the frequency of inspections conducted by the Department of Health on accredited residential care and assisted living facilities. This change could lead to less frequent oversight for these facilities if they can provide proof of ongoing accreditation, potentially allowing them to operate with fewer interruptions and to allocate resources more efficiently. However, it also raises questions about the adequacy of relying solely on external accreditors for quality assurance and compliance monitoring.

Summary

House Bill 1825 establishes new procedures regarding inspections of residential care facilities and assisted living facilities in Missouri. The bill allows any facility accredited by a recognized accrediting entity to submit documentation of its accreditation status to the Department of Health. By doing so, these facilities can bypass the annual on-site inspections that are typically mandated, provided they remain in good standing with the accrediting body. This move is designed to reduce the regulatory burden on compliant facilities and streamline the inspection process.

Contention

There are important points of contention surrounding HB 1825 regarding the balance between regulatory efficiency and the need for oversight. Proponents argue that the bill acknowledges the effectiveness of recognized accrediting entities and fosters a more business-friendly environment. Critics, however, express concerns about the possible decrease in safety and regulation enforcement, suggesting that reduced inspections could allow non-compliance issues to go unnoticed longer. This highlights an ongoing debate about government oversight versus private accreditation responsibilities.