PHCA/CALM President Testifies Before House Aging Committee on Carbon Monoxide Bill

HARRISBURG —The Pennsylvania Health Care Association/Center for Assisted Living

Management (PHCA/CALM) today affirmed its support for the Care Facility Carbon Monoxide Alarms Standard Act (HB 264) as introduced by Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny).

“As advocates for the commonwealth’s elderly and disabled, our members are deeply concerned with the health and safety of the individuals that we care for and their caregivers,” said W. Russell McDaid, PHCA/CALM President and COO. “This common-sense legislation will ensure additional protection for the residents and staff in licensed care settings.”

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that results from the incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, gasoline, oil, wood, coal and other fuels. The health effects related to CO depend on concentration in the air, duration of exposure and concentration in the blood, where it interferes with normal oxygenation.

This legislation will ensure that detectors are placed in close proximity to carbon monoxide sources and in a manner that any alarm signal can be heard by the care facility staff responsible for the area where the device or appliance is in use.

“PHCA/CALM supports HB 264 due to the additional protections it offers consumers”, said McDaid.  He added that, “It does so in a way that  recognizes the significant protections already in place in Pennsylvania’s licensed care facilities including 24/7 staffing, the routine maintenance of fossil fuel burning appliances and annual licensure inspections by state surveyors,” said McDaid.

Compliance with the Bill’s requirements is to be assured during the care facility’s annual state licensure survey completed by the Department of Health for nursing facilities, and the Department of Human Services for personal care homes and assisted living residences.