SPONSOR: Matthiesen
This bill requires the Department of Health and Senior Services, subject to appropriation, to establish the "Missouri Hospital Safety Grant Program" to provide grants in hospitals to improve their safety and security. Grants will be awarded beginning in fiscal year 2027 and end for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which this program sunsets.
The total amount of grants that may be awarded to a single hospital in any one fiscal year is not to exceed $1 million, and the total amount that may be awarded to all hospitals in the program in any one fiscal year is not to exceed $20 million.
Any hospital seeking a grant is required to submit an application at least 60 days before July 1 of the fiscal year for which the grant is being sought, and the bill specifies eligibility requirements for hospitals.
The moneys awarded must be used for:
(1) Enhanced security measures;
(2) The remodeling or redesigning of entrances and exits;
(3) Training programs for security personnel; or
(4) Training for other hospital staff.
The Department is required to establish a review committee to evaluate all grant applications, based on the severity of the hospital's security needs, the feasibility of the proposed use of grant funds, and the demonstrated ability of the hospital to complete the proposed improvements within a reasonable time frame. Hospitals must be notified of their award status within 30 days after the date on which the applications were due, and hospitals that receive grant funding must complete the security upgrades within 18 months of receipt of the grant.
Any hospital that receives a grant under this program must submit an annual report to the Department that details the progress made in implementing new security measures, any challenges encountered, and a summary of training programs provided to staff and security personnel.
The provisions of this bill sunset six years after the effective date.
Statutes affected: