The authors of Oklahoma's nursing home predator law have testified before a U.S. House subcommittee about the need for the legislation. State Rep. Kris Steele of Shawnee and Wes Bledsoe, an advocate for laws to keep predators out of nursing homes, testified about a bill passed by the Oklahoma Legislature.

The measure is designed to segregate those who may be dangerous to others, The Oklahoman reported from its Washington bureau.

Oklahoma's bill was the first of its kind in the nation dealing with a problem that is starting to get national attention.

Judges, county sheriffs and corrections departments across the country have sent felons with violent backgrounds into nursing homes. Sometimes the offenders simply check themselves in, long after they have served out their sentences.