MO HB1597

Establishes the "Home Care Agency Licensure Act" requiring all home care agencies to obtain licenses from the Department of Health and Senior Services, with an annual non-refundable fee of at least $500.

Mandates that every county and city provide part-time, intermittent home care nursing services plus at least one additional service (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work, or home health aide services) through a licensed home care agency.

Prohibits home care agency employees from smoking while providing services to clients' homes and allows the department to impose administrative penalties up to $200 for violations.

Establishes client rights including informed participation in care plans, confidentiality of medical records, freedom from abuse and neglect, and requires agencies to provide written statements of services and charges.

Authorizes the Department of Health and Senior Services to conduct inspections every three years, investigate complaints within specified timeframes (immediately for life-threatening situations, 24 hours for abuse allegations, 48 hours for neglect), and suspend or revoke licenses for substantial non-compliance.