Bill > HB2488

This bill modifies Missouri state law regarding the definitions and licensing of ambulatory surgical centers and introduces a new definition for birthing centers. The legislation updates terminology in sections 197.200 and 197.215 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), primarily by adding a specific definition for "birthing centers" as public or private establishments primarily focused on childbirth that do not provide patient accommodations for more than 23 hours. The bill clarifies licensing requirements for these facilities, including stipulations that surgical staff must be licensed physicians, dentists, or podiatrists, and that continuous physician or registered nursing services must be available when patients are present. A key change is the exemption of birthing centers from the requirement to have a working agreement with a local hospital for patient transfers, which previously applied to ambulatory surgical centers. The license will continue to be valid for one year, non-transferable without departmental consent, and must be posted visibly at the facility. These modifications aim to provide more precise regulatory guidance for different types of medical facilities that perform surgical procedures or childbirths.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2488&year=2026&code=R