HB 285 -- MISSOURI CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN WOMEN'S HEALTH

SPONSOR:  Riback Wilson (25)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Children, Families and Health by a vote of 12 to 0.

This bill requires the Department of Health to designate
Missouri Centers of Excellence in Women's Health in leading
academic medical institutions in Missouri.  The department is
required to establish the criteria for selecting the centers
which take into consideration the principles for National
Centers of Excellence in Women's Health established by the
Office on Women's Health of the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.  The centers will be selected on a competitive
basis.

The purposes of the centers include devising new standards of
excellence in women's health; expanding basic and clinical
research on women's health; and promoting the education of
health care providers and the community concerning the unique
needs and aspects of women's health.

The comprehensive goals of the centers include:

(1)  Improving women's access to health care services and
information;

(2)  Advancing a women's health research agenda;

(3)  Targeting financial resources and support;

(4)  Promoting women to leadership positions in health care
provision, teaching, and research;

(5)  Promoting greater community outreach in women's health; and

(6)  Integrating women's health in medical curriculums, clinical
training, and postdoctoral research.

Subject to appropriations, the department may use, administer,
or dispose of gifts, grants, or in-kind services and can award
grants to qualifying centers in order to implement the purposes
and goals of the bill.  The department may promulgate rules to
implement the provisions of the bill.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that nationally, there are 17
centers which have been designated by the Office on Women's
Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  No
designation has been awarded to a health facility in Missouri.
This bill will promote treatment and research on medical issues
applicable to Missouri women and enhance the delivery of health
care to women in Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Riback Wilson (25);
and Department of Health.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:43 am