A series of recommendations has been made to improve safety in Missouri’s long-term care facilities. A month-long survey, since the Anderson Guest House fire, by the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Mental Health has produced a report given Governor Matt Blunt. Among other things, the Departments recommend recommend sprinkler systems be installed in all long-term care facilities – even in the attics, that improved fire alarm systems be required, that qualified electricians be required to inspect wiring – with the state establishing the definition of “qualified electrician, that smoking be limited, that the facilities work more closely with local fire departments, and that the Department of Health be given power to fine facilities not in compliance. Governor Blunt has quickly endorsed the first recommendation – sprinklers in all long-term care buildings. He says he’s studying the others to determine if legislative action is needed or if things can be done by Department regulations.
Related web sites:
Long-Term Care Facilities Safety Report
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