VOYCE works to improve the quality of long-term care for all Missourians through our systemic advocacy. We seek to be a catalyst for change by lifting the voices of vulnerable long-term care residents and ensuring they have a seat at the table of legislative decisions. VOYCE’s Mission, Vision, and Values guide our legislative priorities. VOYCE believes that we can promote quality living across the long-term care continuum when we all come together.
We’ve provided updates on bills that we are following in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Senate.
House Bills
HJR 19
Sponsor: Yolanda Young (D-22)
Summary: Creates a constitutional amendment to expand voter eligibility to persons age 18+ who do not have legal guardianship of themselves.
HB 170
Sponsor: Mark Ellebracht (D-17)
Summary: Specifies that an individual may be charged with voluntary manslaughter of an older adult or person with a disability if the abuse significantly contributed to the victim’s suicide.
HB 422
Sponsor: Raychel Proudie (D-73)
Summary: Establishes a seven-year cap for reporting abuse, bullying, or neglect of an adult with a disability.
HB 523
Sponsor: Bill White (R-32)
Summary: This bill is similar to HB 989. Establishes an “Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force”. The task force will assess all state programs that address Alzheimer’s and update and maintain an integrated state plan to overcome the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
HB 566
Sponsor: J. Eggleson (R-02)
Summary: Removes an employer’s ability to issue a mask-mandate for their employees. Prohibits discrimination or penalizing of employees who chose to abstain from wearing a mask.
HB 759
Sponsor: Ed Lewis (R-06)
Summary: Provides liability immunity to long-term care facility providers for harm to residents during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Liability immunity will weaken oversight and protection of long-term care residents.
HB 978
Sponsor: Rodger Reedy (R-57)
Summary: Changes the language for the responsibilities of a guardian from “provide for” to “make decisions regarding” an individual’s care.
HB 949
Sponsor: Don Mayhew (R-121)
Summary: Prohibits long-term care facilities from restricting residents’ access to an Ombudsman advocate, one immediate family member, and a public administrator during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HB 989
Sponsor: Don Mayhew (R-121)
Summary: Establishes an “Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force”. The task force will assess all state programs that address Alzheimer’s and update and maintain an integrated state plan to overcome the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
HB 1015
Sponsor: Herman Morse (R-151)
Summary: Require hospitals and long-term care facilities develop a protocol that will allow for family members to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HB 1159
Sponsor: Wayne Wallingford (R-147)
Summary: Expands provisions to home health treatment plans to nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants. Under current law, only physicians are allowed to order and sign home health treatment plans which creates delays in care.
Senate Bills
SB 42
Sponsor: Bill White (R-32)
Summary: Provides liability immunity to long-term care facility providers for harm to residents during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Liability immunity will weaken oversight and protection of long-term care residents
SB 177
Sponsor: Justin Brown (R-16)
Summary: This bill is similar to HB 1159. Expands provisions to home health treatment plans to nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants. Under current law, only physicians are allowed to order and sign home health treatment plans which creates delays in care.
SB 342
Sponsor: Bill White (R-32)
Summary: Modifies a hospice facility’s annual certification renewal requirements.