SCS/SB 549 - This act modifies provision regarding MO HealthNet transparency. MO HEALTHNET DATA TRANSPARENCY PROGRAM This act requires the MO HealthNet Division, by August 28, 2010, to implement a program to make available through its Internet web site nonaggregated data on MO HealthNet participants collected under the federal Medicaid Statistical Information System to the extent such data has already been de-identified in accordance with federal HIPAA privacy requirements. In implementing the program the Division shall ensure that the information made available is in a format that is easily accessible, useable, and understandable to the public, including individuals interested in improving the quality of care provided to individuals eligible for programs and services under the MO HealthNet program, researchers, health care providers, and individuals interested in reducing the prevalence of waste and fraud under the program. By August 28, 2011, and annually thereafter, the director shall submit to the General Assembly and the MO HealthNet oversight committee, a report on the progress of the program, including the extent to which information made available through the program is accessed and the extent to which comments received on the program were used during the year to improve the utility of the program. The Division shall also report to the General Assembly the feasibility of expanding the transparency program for the health care for uninsured children program (SCHIP). This program has a six-year sunset clause. This provision is identical to provisions contained in CCS/SS/SCS/HCS/HB 577 (2009), SS/HB 156 (2009), and SS/SCS/SB 306 (2009). MO HEALTHNET OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE This act modifies the membership of the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee by adding an optometrist, a nurse, a mental health professional, a licensed physical therapist, as well as representatives from a not-for-profit health network serving rural counties and providing both patient-based and provider member services, the state association representing the majority of the long-term care facilities licensed in this state, the durable medical equipment industry, a Medicaid managed care organization, a rural health clinic and a federally qualified health clinic. This act also specifies that the committee shall have three patient advocates rather than two. Of the three advocates, one advocate shall represent children, one the disabled, and one the elderly community. In addition, rather than designating two primary care physicians and two physicians, the act now references four licensed physicians, two each from rural and urban areas, and board certified in their specialty. This provision is identical to SB 170 (2009). PREMATURE INFANTS This act modifies provisions relating to premature infants. The act requires the MO HealthNet program and the state children's health insurance program (SCHIP) to examine and improve hospital discharge and follow-up care procedures for premature infants born earlier than 37 weeks gestational age. The programs shall also urge hospitals serving infants eligible for MO HealthNet and SCHIP to report to the state the causes and incidence of all re-hospitalizations of premature infants. SECTION 191.1127 The Department of Health and Senior Services is required to prepare written educational materials containing information about possible complications, proper care and support associated with newborn infants who are born premature at earlier than 37 weeks gestational age. The act specifies the minimum information that shall be included in the publications and provides that the department shall distribute the publications to children's health providers, maternal care providers, hospitals, public health departments and medical organizations. SECTION 191.1130 This provision is similar to a provision in SCS/HB 716 (2009) and SS/SCS/SB 306 (2009). ADRIANE CROUSE