HB 285 -- MISSOURI CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN WOMEN'S HEALTH (Riback Wilson, 25) 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.Copyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives