Bill > SB1482

This bill modifies provisions related to abuse and neglect of certain individuals, including expanding the definition of "abuse" to include financial exploitation by any person, firm, or corporation, and defining "financial exploitation" as knowingly obtaining control over someone's property with intent to deprive them of its use, benefit, or possession through deceit, coercion, false impressions, or undue influence. It also introduces new reporting requirements and protections for participants in adult day care programs, in-home services clients, and residents of facilities, mandating that certain professionals immediately report suspected abuse or neglect to the department of health and senior services. The bill clarifies that "neglect" is the failure to provide necessary services that presents an imminent danger or substantial probability of serious harm, and it strengthens the employee disqualification list by defining "knowingly" and "recklessly" and outlining procedures for challenging placement on the list, while also expanding the types of entities that can access this list for background checks. Furthermore, it makes reports and investigation records confidential, provides immunity for those making good-faith reports, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who report violations. The bill also updates criminal penalties for concealing abuse or neglect and clarifies that timely self-reporting of incidents by facilities will be investigated but not counted as hotline calls unless they result in a regulatory violation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=54390