HB 2128 -- Health Policy and Oversight

Sponsor:  Baker (25)

This bill establishes provisions regarding health policy and
oversight.

MISSOURI HEALTH POLICY AUTHORITY

Beginning September 1, 2008, the bill establishes the Missouri
Health Policy Authority within the Department of Health and
Senior Services consisting of 11 voting members who are members
of the general public and have knowledge in various areas of
health care and patient advocacy.  The authority must meet at
least monthly through June 30, 2010, and at least quarterly
thereafter.

The authority will work to improve the health of Missourians by
increasing the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of health
services and public health programs.  The authority is required
to develop a statewide health policy agenda.  Beginning in 2010,
the authority must report annually to the General Assembly its
recommendations for implementing the health policy agenda, health
care cost data, and health care indicator data.

By January 1, 2009, the authority must submit a plan for needed
funding and legislation to transfer specific programs and
activities to the authority.  Beginning July 1, 2009, the
authority will:

(1)  Assume operational and purchasing responsibility for the
regular medical portion of the MO HealthNet Program, the State
Children's Health Insurance Program, the working healthy portion
of the Ticket to Work Program, the MO HealthNet management
information system, any drug utilization review program, and the
Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan for state employees;

(2)  Coordinate health care planning, administration, and
purchasing and analysis of health data for the State of Missouri
for medical assistance programs, drug utilization programs, and
other health programs assigned to the authority by the Governor
or by contract with another state agency; and

(3)  Receive by transfer the powers, duties, and functions of the
Department of Social Services regarding medical assistance and
health insurance programs as specified in Chapter 208, RSMo.

At the beginning of the regular session of the General Assembly
in 2010, the authority is required to submit recommendations and
an implementation plan for the transfer of additional
Medicaid-funded programs.  At the beginning of the regular
session of the General Assembly in 2011, the authority is
required to submit recommendations and an implementation plan for
the authority to assume health care purchasing responsibilities
within additional state agencies.  The bill requires the
authority to promote the development of a statewide health
information plan.

The authority may contract with state agencies and local
government entities to perform services or administer certain
functions, services, or programs.  Contracts must be made in the
name of the Missouri Health Policy Authority.

Beginning July 1, 2009, the authority will be authorized to
establish general policies regarding the health programs that
have been transferred to the authority.  The authority can make
grants of funds for the promotion of health programs in the state
and is required to:

(1)  Advise the Governor and General Assembly on all health
programs, policies, and plans for which it is responsible;

(2)  Establish an adequate system of financial records, make
periodic reports to the Governor, and prepare reports required by
federal agencies;

(3)  Prepare an annual budget as directed by the Governor;

(4)  Establish advisory groups as needed; and

(5)  Make public and post on its web site all documents created
by the authority, except when the documents are required to
remain confidential by state or federal law.

The authority will have the power to restructure any and all
boards, commissions, committees, task forces, and other similar
entities within the department that are affected by the
authority.

OFFICE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS WORKFORCE PLANNING

The bill establishes the Office of Health Professions Workforce
Planning within the authority to address the shortage and uneven
distribution of health care professionals in Missouri.  The
office will be funded by appropriations, gifts, grants, and
bequests and with contracts and grants from philanthropic
foundations and federal government agencies.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Office of Inspector General is established within the
authority to oversee, audit, investigate, and complete
performance reviews of all state-purchased health insurance.

MISSOURI CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER

The bill establishes the Missouri Chief Health Officer within the
department.  The health officer's duties will include serving as
chairperson of the State Board of Health; advising the department
director on developing strategies to improve health indicators;
creating a web site to promote healthy lifestyles for Missouri
citizens; providing health information to schools, employers, and
private and public institutions; and promoting public health
information, health literacy, and disease prevention.  The health
officer is required to submit an annual report on the current
overall health of Missouri citizens and any recommendations for
improvements by January 31 to the Governor, Speaker of the House
of Representatives, and President Pro Tem of the Senate.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm