Bill > HB1805

This bill modifies the existing Missouri state law regarding hospital trauma center designations by explicitly prohibiting the Department of Health and Senior Services from denying a hospital's trauma center status solely based on its proximity to other existing trauma centers. The bill amends section 190.241 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to clarify that when a hospital meets all other qualification criteria for a Level I, II, or III trauma center, its geographic location relative to other trauma centers cannot be used as a disqualifying factor. This change is significant because it prevents the department from using distance as an arbitrary barrier to trauma center designation, which could potentially improve emergency medical care access in areas that might otherwise be underserved. The bill maintains existing requirements that hospitals must still meet specific trauma center criteria, including proper application, site review, and adherence to guidelines from professional organizations like the American College of Surgeons. By removing geographic distance as a potential obstacle, the legislation aims to expand trauma care coverage and ensure that qualified hospitals can receive appropriate designation regardless of their location within the state.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1805&year=2026&code=R