MO SB621

Repeals and replaces sections 197.080 and 197.100, RSMo, to revise hospital licensure regulations and enforcement procedures under the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Requires all regulatory citations and findings to reference specific written standards and publicly available interpretative guidance that form the basis for the citation or finding.

Mandates state hospital licensure standards be consistent with and not contradict federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation and associated guidance, subject to appropriations.

Establishes procedures for complaint investigation, including independent departmental determination of which complaints warrant onsite investigation and limiting investigation scope to specific standards raised unless immediate safety jeopardy is identified.

Allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to accept inspection reports from other governmental agencies and recognized accrediting organizations (those with CMS deemed status) in lieu of annual state inspections, provided accreditation occurred within three years of license renewal, and limits hospitals to one inspection per twelve-month period except for good cause.