Holden proposes Web site to track nursing home violations

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri should have a computer Web site detailing violations against the state's licensed nursing homes, joining a growing number of states using computer technology to empower consumers, Gov. Bob Holden said.

Holden's request for a Web site Friday came after he called for legislative action that would make it easier to prosecute over neglect of patients, tightening the state's procedures for imposing fines on nursing homes and enhancing the powers of state regulators.

State officials don't know how quickly a site can be developed.

"I haven't even had a chance to get any input from the staff on how we'll approach this," said Garland Land, who oversees technology in the state Department of Health and Senior Services.

Until the new site is developed, people wanting to use the Internet to gather free information about Missouri nursing homes can turn to Web sites operated by the federal government or by a Missouri nursing home advocacy group.

Darrell Hendrickson, overseer of the state's nursing home regulators, said he planned to develop a wish list of information he would like to see included on the state site.

Holden's recommendations followed a St. Louis Post-Dispatch investigation earlier this month that found thousands of America's nursing home residents are dying each year from preventable causes.