HB 933 Summary: Emergency Power Sources

• Creates section 366.042 requiring the Public Service Commission to ensure electric utilities prioritize restoration of services to critical medical facilities with at least 50 residents, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, during emergencies.

• Establishes grant program funded through the Quality of Long-Term Care Facility Improvement Trust Fund to purchase emergency power sources for nursing homes to provide cooling and emergency services.

• Requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to maintain operational emergency power sources with 4-day fuel supply capable of maintaining 81 degrees Fahrenheit or below in at least one area and refrigerating food and storing ice.

• Allows Medicaid reimbursement adjustments over a 5-year period to offset costs incurred by nursing homes to meet emergency power source requirements.

• Modifies punitive damages distribution to split awards equally between claimants and the Quality of Long-Term Care Facility Improvement Trust Fund, with claimants required to notify the Chief Financial Officer of settlement payments.