Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance the safety and operational resilience of adult residential care providers in Louisiana by mandating the installation of generators or alternative electrical power sources. Specifically, the bill requires all licensed adult residential care providers to have a generator or an alternative power source approved by the Louisiana Department of Health, ensuring that these systems can support essential services such as life safety systems, medical equipment, and HVAC systems. The generators must be permanently installed on-site and have sufficient fuel to operate for at least 72 hours, with additional provisions for extending operation to 168 hours during emergencies.
The bill also allows for waivers for facilities built or with approved construction plans prior to August 1, 2026, if space constraints or local ordinances prevent compliance. Facilities receiving waivers must submit an annual emergency preparedness plan to ensure resident safety during power outages. Compliance with these requirements is mandated by December 1, 2027, with the possibility of a one-time extension of up to 12 months under certain circumstances. The Louisiana Department of Health is authorized to implement these provisions through emergency rulemaking, while the state fire marshal will oversee compliance and conduct inspections.