By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Republican and Democratic leaders in Jefferson City outlined legislation Monday they hope will prevent cases of neglect and abuse in Missouri nursing homes.
The legislation would increase the penalties for those who exploit the elderly. It would require more detailed state reporting for nursing homes and force some nursing home employees to undergo more thorough background checks.
State regulators also would have greater access to nursing home records and facilities. The Department of Health and Senior Services could suspend the licenses of nursing homes that bar inspectors from entering facilities.
Yet nursing homes that satisfy regulators' requirements would be subject to fewer repeat inspections.