HCS/SB 276 - This act modifies duties of the Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority (MOHEFA) and county hospitals, modifies procedures for conducting public hearings, and modifies the program review date from January to August. It also adds two new sections to the act dealing with county hospitals.

Section 205.190 currently allows hospital trustees to have authority over the lease of "substantially all" of certain hospitals, with the approval of the county commission. New language adds the requirement that counties of the second, third, or fourth classification must use the income received from such a lease to provide health services within the county. In addition, in noncharter counties of the first classification, the county commission may separately negotiate and contract with a lessee before approving any lease.

Section 205.374 currently deals with the sale of hospitals. New language states that upon the sale of a hospital and after the payment of all debts, counties of the first classification must credit the remaining balance to the county's general fund. In counties of the second, third, or fourth classification, the remaining balance shall be used to provide health care services in the county. Any assets donated to the hospital must also be used to provide health care services in the county, unless otherwise specified in the gift.

An emergency clause has been added for sections 205.190 and 205.374. Portions of this substitute are substantially similar to HB 796.
ERIN MOTLEY