HB 749 -- Missouri Rural Health Initiative

Co-Sponsors:  Abel, Seigfreid, Barnitz, Whorton, Witte, Kuessner,
Shoemyer (9), Ransdall, Bringer, Henke, Merideth, Sayer, Harris
(110)

This bill requires the Director of the Department of Health and
Senior Services, through the Office of Rural Health and in
collaboration with certain state agencies, to develop a plan
known as the Missouri Rural Health Initiative.

The initiative is required to:

(1)  Develop a plan that defines a system of coordinated health
care services available to all persons in rural areas and
provides for the delivery of health information and health care
services in rural areas through telemedicine and telehealth
resources;

(2)  Develop and administer technical assistance programs to
assist rural communities in planning and coordinating the
delivery of health care services through community-based systems
of care;

(3)  Develop recommendations for obtaining financial resources
for rural hospitals and clinics in isolated areas of the state;

(4)  Coordinate the development of a statewide plan for emergency
medical services, in collaboration with emergency medical
services regulatory agencies and representative organizations;

(5)  Develop a statewide recruitment and retention strategy for
health care professionals;

(6)  Develop recommendations on the coordination and integration
of mental health services in primary care settings, hospitals,
and in other specified health services provided in rural areas;

(7)  Evaluate and provide projections on the economic impact of
health care services in rural communities;

(8)  Identify barriers to health systems in rural areas,
including recommendations to assure access of elderly populations
in rural areas to health care and social services; and

(9)  Incorporate the duties of the Office of Rural Health.

The bill also establishes a 10-member Missouri Rural Health
Services Commission with the department.  The commission is
responsible for examining the following:

(1)  Infrastructure issues, including transportation systems,
facilities, and workforce;

(2)  Economic and educational issues;

(3)  Cultural issues, including the impact of new minority
population increases in rural areas; and

(4)  Legal, educational, health care, and social service training
for local public and private providers who deliver services to
new minority populations.

The bill contains provisions pertaining to the composition of the
commission, the schedule of regular and special meetings, and
invitations of specified individuals to serve as ex-officio
members of the commission.

The commission is required to provide two reports to the Governor
and the General Assembly.  The first report is due on or before
January 15, 2005, and the final report is due on or before
January 15, 2006.

The provisions of the bill expire on January 15, 2006.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am