Governor’s Column - January 5, 2007
by Governor Matt Blunt
Protecting Missourians Who Cannot Always Protect Themselves
The tragic fire at the Anderson Guest House on November 27 is a reminder that our state must do everything possible to protect those who cannot always protect themselves. On that sad day 11 innocent lives were lost in that horrific tragedy.
After touring the remains of the facility and visiting with first responders I ordered the Departments of Health and Senior Services and Mental Health to immediately assess and review all safety laws and regulations related to residential care facilities. I asked the departments to report to me with recommendations on enhancing safety at our state’s residential care facilities by the end of last year. They presented a very thorough report to me on December 29th.
Their report solidified my belief that sprinklers are an appropriate first step to enhance safety. I am calling for sprinkler systems in all long-term care facilities and have directed the Department of Health and Senior Services to create a timeline to implement the new sprinkler regulations to allow facilities time to meet the new requirement. Current state regulations require sprinklers in all facilities opened after October 2000. According to figures contained in the report more than half of our state’s facilities lack sprinkler systems, which is simply unacceptable.
Also unacceptable is any instance of abuse or neglect. Last month I signed an executive order to ensure that every instance of abuse or neglect in our state’s mental health system is reported and investigated and those who commit these heinous acts are held accountable.
The Department of Mental Health will continue to inform the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement officials of any deaths or assaults occurring in a facility that is operated, licensed or certified by the department, and further states that the department must report all deaths in a facility to the local coroner or medical examiner.
The order also directs the Department of Mental Health to implement an information management system that can quickly and effectively track critical information on abuse, neglect and other information related to the safety of individuals in public mental health facilities and in the care of private community providers. To help families whose loved ones are patients at Missouri’s mental health facilities, the executive order requires the Department of Mental Health to develop individualized training for families on identifying and reporting suspected cases of abuse or neglect.
My prayers go out to the families and loved ones still suffering from the tragic events at the Anderson Guest House. Our state must learn from this devastating event and ensure that we are doing all we can to protect the vulnerable.