SCS/SB 595 - This act establishes the "Comprehensive Patient Education and Healthcare Cost Improvement Pilot Program". The Department of Health and Senior Services, in conjunction with the Department of Insurance and the University of Missouri-Kansas City teaching hospitals or such other appropriate health care institution, shall implement the Pilot Program to improve patient information regarding elective surgical procedures and the risks and complications involved. The Pilot Program shall develop and incorporate patient education programs into the preoperative consultation and informed consent process. Implementation of the Pilot Program shall occur no later than six months after funding has been made available and shall have a duration of three years.

Prior to elective surgery, the Pilot Program shall utilize an educational system that:

- Visually explains the entire surgical procedure in simple terms;

- Fully discloses to the patient in simple terms the frequency of all known complications;

- Allows the patient access to educational materials outside the surgeon's office;

- Fully documents the patient education process; and

- Collects outcome data after surgery.

The Department of Health and Senior Services shall monitor and report to the Director of the Department of Insurance and the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Pilot Program. The report shall include the Pilot Program's effect on the reduction of medical malpractice claims, patient satisfaction, feedback from physicians, the total number of surgical procedures performed, a comparison of Medicaid dollars, and recommendations for improving and implementing the educational system.
LORIE TOWE