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Alzheimer's Bill Passed in House

The relatives of patients with Alzheimers disease would get more information about the care of their loved ones under a measure sent to the Governor Thursday. Adam Levine reports from Jefferson City.

The original bill stressed the requirement of Alzheimers facilities to disclose the specific services they offer to patients. In a conference committee report passed by the House, the bill was altered to clarify the nature of civil suits and penalties from infractions committed by health care facilities. The Division of Legal Services will handle civil matters, while the Attorney General will deal with any criminal charges.

Bill sponsor Lana Stokan of St. Louis says she wants to focus on violations which result in serious physical injury or imminent danger to patients. A clause allowing Alzheimers facilities to remedy problems in good faith was removed. Nevertheless, Representative Jim Murphy from St. Louis still opposes the bill because he favors penalties for all infractions.

Actuality:
RunTime: Murphy
OutCue: "... to the Senate."
Contents: [139K WAV file - Murphy says do we want the elderly living in urine soaked garments with feces under their fingernails and with dirty food? If we do, tell this woman to take that back to the Senate.]

The bill is expected to be signed by the Governor in the next few weeks. From the State Capitol, I'm Adam Levine.