Bill > SB524

This bill modifies the rules and procedures for hospital designations in Missouri, specifically for trauma centers, STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) centers, and stroke centers. The bill allows hospitals to be designated through two pathways: either by a detailed state review process or by obtaining a corresponding national certification. The Department of Health and Senior Services will conduct site reviews at least every three years, but cannot deny designation solely based on a deficiency if the hospital has an active correction plan. The bill introduces new provisions that prevent the department from specifying exact physician staffing requirements, instead allowing hospitals to demonstrate coverage through contingency plans like transfer agreements or telehealth. The bill also allows physicians to satisfy coverage requirements for multiple center designations and ensures that education requirements for emergency medicine physicians are consistent with national board standards. Additionally, the bill mandates that designated centers submit data to state or national registries and protects patient and healthcare professional privacy in data collection. Hospitals must now be officially designated by the department to advertise themselves as specialized centers like trauma, STEMI, or stroke centers, and aggrieved hospitals can seek administrative review of designation decisions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=862810