Mississippi House Bill HB1145

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Long-term care facilities; require residents of certain to obtain a preneed contract within 6 months after admission.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1145 is expected to affect how long-term care facilities operate concerning the care and financial planning for their residents. By placing the onus of funeral contract acquisition on the residents or the facilities, it seeks to prevent last-minute arrangements and ensure peace of mind for both residents and their families. Furthermore, it promotes the idea of planning ahead for end-of-life services, which can be a sensitive issue for many individuals and families.

Summary

House Bill 1145 mandates that residents aged sixty and older in certain long-term care facilities must obtain a preneed contract related to the final disposition of their body within six months of their admission. This requirement aims to ensure that funeral arrangements are settled ahead of time for elderly individuals living in nursing homes, assisted living, or personal care facilities. If a resident fails to secure such a contract, the facility is obligated to purchase one on their behalf and charge the cost to the resident's account. This legislation is categorized under the Mississippi Preneed Cemetery and Funeral Registration Act.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the mandatory nature of this bill, particularly concerns regarding financial implications for residents who may not be able to afford the preneed contracts. Critics might argue that while the bill is well-intentioned, it could impose an undue financial burden on the elderly or push facilities into a position where they must handle the contracts inappropriate. Notably, the bill includes provisions to prevent facilities from refusing admissions based on lack of preneed contracts, which may alleviate some concerns about access to care but does not address potential affordability issues related to the costs of these contracts.