CCS#2/HS/HCS/SCS/SBs 8 & 173 This act establishes public health programs, requires evaluation of health care inspection procedures, and creates long term care tax credits.

The Department of Health is required to establish an education program about hepatitis C. The program should raise public awareness, educate consumers, and train health care professionals about the disease. The Department of Health shall also develop an awareness program focusing on the use of over the counter weight loss medications by persons eighteen years of age or younger. This provision is substantially similar to HB 634 (1999).

Membership of the Missouri Acupuncturist Advisory Committee is revised. The Committee will review all license applications, make referrals, set fees, and assist in disciplinary proceedings. These provisions do not apply to physicians, surgeons, or chiropractic physicians. Injunctions may be sought and granted when licensure or other provisions are violated by an individual. This provision is substantially similar to portions of HB 343.

Physical therapists in good standing may provide educational and consultation services, may develop training programs, and may treat certain patients for one year after diagnosis without prescription or direction from a physician or surgeon. New treatments, however, may not be initiated without such approval. Physical therapist assistants who have failed the licensure exam more than three times will not be issued licenses to practice. This provision is substantially similar to HB 372 and SB 368. This provision is substantially similar to portions of HB 343.

The Department of Health shall develop an education and awareness program regarding elder abuse and neglect. The Departments of Health and Social Services shall cooperate in this program. This provision is substantially similar to HB 632.

The Department of Social Services is required to work with the Department of Health to evaluate the implementation of and compliance with Section 198.012.1(3) and report on the evaluation by January 1, 2000. The cited section exempts acute care hospitals from Chapter 198, RSMo, licensure requirements if they are physically attached to a long term care facility and if the Department of Health requires the hospitals to comply with regulations similar to Chapter 198, RSMo. The Department of Health is also required to inspect all long-term care facilities attached to hospitals twice a year.

The Department of Social Services and the Department of Health are required to develop rules for the exchange of information between Departments. This will help ensure protection of individuals who receive health care from providers regulated by either Department.

Every hospital and ambulatory surgical center providing obstetrical care to give new mothers information on breast feeding. After January 1, 2000, physicians providing obstetrical or gynecological services must furnish patients with breast feeding information as well. With the appropriate discretion, a mother may breast feed a child in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be. This provision is similar to HB 865.

Beginning December 31, 1999, Missouri residents may claim a fifty percent tax deduction for nonreimbursed fees paid for qualified long-term care insurance premiums to the extent that such premiums are not included in the individual's itemized deductions. This section contains a delayed effective date of January 1, 2000 and will apply to all taxable years after December 31, 1999.
ERIN MOTLEY