OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Brad Henry today will ceremoniously sign legislation to require child care centers to have liability insurance.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Consumer & Patient Rights wonders why legislators don’t extend the same concern to those living in nursing homes.

Called “Demarion’s Law” after Demarion Pittman, a 3 year old who suffered extensive brain damage from being left in a hot van after a bowling field trip, the legislation requires child care centers to carry at least $200,000 in coverage.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, authored the measure, House Bill 2863.

With news stories in recent years highlighting problems at Department of Human Serviceslicensed child care centers, it’s clear that parents need the peace of mind of knowing their children’s daytime homes are safe and protected financially in the event something terrible happens.

Adults have the same concerns for Mom and Dad.

“When it comes to child care centers and nursing homes, a person’s age determines whether they can be mistreated without financial consequences,” said Jeff Raymond, executive director of the nonprofit consumer advocacy group.

“How can that possibly be right,” he added. “Why wouldn’t we offer the same protections to our elderly, who need just as much care and assistance?”

Raymond noted efforts to require nursing homes to carry liability insurance failed during the last legislative session because of the lobbying sway of the long-term care and medical industries.

A bill that would have had similar requirements passed in a bipartisan fashion out of the Senate but was killed in committee by nursing home owner Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove.

Raymond said he hopes chances are better next year to protect nursing home residents from those who fail to make their golden years comfortable, happy and secure.

Henry signed the bill in June.