MO HB1644

Defines "patient, resident or client abuse or neglect" as a crime when a person knowingly beats, mistreats, uses excessive force, or fails to provide necessary services to patients in mental health facilities or residential programs operated by the department.

Classifies abuse or neglect as a class A misdemeanor, except for mistreatment or failure to provide services which are class D felonies.

Permits use of minimal force in self-defense or defense of others to deter imminent threats or end assaults, with such actions not to be grounds for employment termination.

Prohibits the Department of Mental Health from terminating or sanctioning employees who act in self-defense or defense of others against dangerous or violent patients, and requires the department to conduct a hearing if self-defense is claimed.

Requires expungement of employment records documenting self-defense or defense of others actions for employees at maximum or medium security facilities designated by the Department of Mental Health.