Section 210.105

Title XII PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

Chapter 210

Effective - 28 Aug 2011, 3 histories, see footnote   (history) 

  210.105.  Missouri task force on prematurity and infant mortality created — members, officers, expenses — duties — report — expiration date. — 1.  There is hereby created the "Missouri Task Force on Prematurity and Infant Mortality" within the children's services commission to consist of the following eighteen members:

  (1)  The following six members of the general assembly:

  (a)  Three members of the house of representatives, with two members to be appointed by the speaker of the house and one member to be appointed by the minority leader of the house;

  (b)  Three members of the senate, with two members to be appointed by the president pro tem of the senate and one member to be appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

  (2)  The director of the department of health and senior services, or the director's designee;

  (3)  The director of the department of social services, or the director's designee;

  (4)  The director of the department of insurance, financial institutions and professional registration, or the director's designee;

  (5)  One member representing a not-for-profit organization specializing in prematurity and infant mortality;

  (6)  Two members who shall be either a physician or nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, pediatrics or perinatology;

  (7)  Two consumer representatives who are parents of individuals born prematurely, including one parent of an individual under the age of eighteen;

  (8)  Two members representing insurance providers in the state;

  (9)  One small business advocate; and

  (10)  One member of the small business regulatory fairness board.

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Members of the task force, other than the legislative members and directors of state agencies, shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate by September 15, 2011.

  2.  A majority of a quorum from among the task force membership shall elect a chair and vice chair of the task force.

  3.  A majority vote of a quorum of the task force is required for any action.

  4.  The chairperson of the children's services commission shall convene the initial meeting of the task force by no later than October 15, 2011.  The task force shall meet at least quarterly; except that the task force shall meet at least twice prior to the end of 2011.  Meetings may be held by telephone or video conference at the discretion of the chair.

  5.  Members shall serve on the commission without compensation, but may, subject to appropriation, be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the task force.

  6.  The goal of the task force is to seek evidence-based and cost-effective approaches to reduce Missouri's preterm birth and infant mortality rates.

  7.  The task force shall:

  (1)  Submit findings to the general assembly;

  (2)  Review appropriate and relevant evidence-based research regarding the causes and effects of prematurity and birth defects in Missouri;

  (3)  Examine existing public and private entities currently associated with the prevention and treatment of prematurity and infant mortality in Missouri;

  (4)  Develop cost-effective strategies to reduce prematurity and infant mortality; and

  (5)  Issue findings and propose to the appropriate public and private organizations goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics designed to reduce prematurity and infant mortality in Missouri, including recommendations on public policy for consideration during the next appropriate session of the general assembly.

  8.  On or before December 31, 2013, the task force shall submit a report on their findings to the governor and general assembly.  The report shall include any dissenting opinions in addition to any majority opinions.

  9.  The task force shall expire on January 1, 2015, or upon submission of a report under subsection 8 of this section, whichever is earlier.

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(L. 2011 H.B. 464 merged with H.B. 555)