HB 788 -- Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Sponsor:  Cooper (155)

This bill changes the laws regarding public health emergency
preparedness.  The bill:

(1)  Defines "emergency plan," "responder," and "volunteer";

(2)  Specifies that health care professionals and emergency
responders deployed during an emergency are exempt from civil
penalty unless the act or omission is intentional or careless;

(3)  Specifies that the Governor, in a state of emergency, can
issue an executive order requiring medical care be given at
temporary facilities if the number of seriously ill or injured
persons exceeds hospital capacity;

(4)  Allows the Governor to waive or suspend administrative rules
that would hinder or delay the ability of the Department of
Health and Senior Services to respond to a declared emergency;

(5)  Specifies that the department can recruit, train, and accept
the services of citizen volunteers to dispense medication; and

(6)  Requires the department to provide volunteers with access to
professional staff for training and oversight, develop written
rules, and make sure volunteers understand their
responsibilities.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am