CCS/HS/HCS/SCS/SB 266 - This act expands programs within the Department of Health.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROGRAMS - Within six months of the effective date of this act, the Department must adopt a blood- borne pathogen standard for occupational exposure of public employees to blood or infectious materials. Standards must meet federal OSHA standards and a requirement must be included that the most effective needleless systems be used except in certain circumstances. A sharps injury log must be maintained and an evaluation committee must be established. Anyone may report a suspected violation and OSHA will be notified in the case of private employers. The Department must maintain a list of needleless systems and sharps with engineered sharps injury protection. The Department must report annually on needle safety. Any employer violating these provisions will be subject to a reduction or loss of state funding. This portion of the act is substantially similar to HB 635. (Section 191.714).

The "Automated External Defibrillator Advisory Committee" is established to advise on the placement of AEDs in public buildings. The initial report is due June 1, 2002, and a final report is due before December 31, 2002. The Committee will consist of five members, appointed by the Director of the Department of Health. This portion of the act is substantially similar to portions of HB 280. (Section 191.938).

This act outlines the adoption education and promotion duties of the Departments of Social Services and Health. The Department must make a variety of materials available on:

Benefits of adoption and foster care; Adoption and foster care procedures; Methods of payment; Methods of controlling adoption and choice of adoptive parents; Protection for and rights of the birth parents; Location of adoption and foster care agencies; Discussion of state assistance programs for women and children; and Direction to appropriate counseling services which will include information for parents who elect to keep their children.

This information will be available in a variety of clinics and facilities. The Department must establish a toll-free telephone number for adoption and foster care information. This portion of the act is identical to SB 59. (Section 191.975).

A state systemic lupus erythematosus program is established in the Department of Health. The program will track lupus incidents in Missouri, identify medical professionals specializing in the treatment of lupus, and promote lupus research. The Department may implement the lupus program by expanding on existing programs, such as the Office of Women's Health, the Office of Minority Health, and the State Arthritis Program. (Section 192.729).

This act exempts certain beverage manufacturers from state regulation. This portion of the act is identical to SB 461. (Section 196.367).

ELDERLY - Current law authorizes the creation of four aging-in- place pilot projects. This act removes the current restriction on the location of such pilot projects. These projects are also exempted from certificate of need. (Section 198.531).

TUBERCULOSIS - This act further outlines the procedure for treating and committing a person found to have active tuberculosis. Springfield-Greene County and St. Louis County health departments are added to the Board. (Sections 199.170 - 199.200).

WOMEN'S HEALTH - A new section requires health carriers to provide direct access to OB/GYNs for women, coverage for cancer screenings, osteoporosis, and contraceptives if pharmaceutical benefits are available. Provisions for exemption from such contraceptive coverage are included. This portion of the act is substantially similar to CCS/SS/SCS/HS/HCS/HB 762, SB 424 and SCS/SBs 391 & 395. (Section 376.l199).

LEAD TESTING - A new section 376.1290 requires insurance companies to provide coverage to test pregnant women for lead poisoning. Sections 701.322 through 701.349 are also modified regarding lead testing and reporting. Fees for blood tests for lead must be credited to the Childhood Lead Testing Fund created in section 701.345. Lead level reports must include a patient's full address and blood lead level. Lead poisoning cases must be reported to local public health boards and agencies. Beginning January 1, 2002, the Department must implement a childhood lead testing program for every child under six years of age. The Department must define high risk areas throughout the state and must evaluate children living in such areas at least annually. Parents must provide evidence of lead testing to child care facilities in high risk areas. This portion of the act is substantially similar to SB 572. (Sections 701.322 - 701.349).
ERIN MOTLEY