(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – According to a press release, Thursday, during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed seven pieces of legislation into law, including House Bill (HB) 2116, which establishes the No Patient Left Alone Act. 

The rest of the press release can be read below.

"We appreciate the efforts by Representative Rusty Black and Senator Bill White to get HB 2116 passed and sent to my desk," Governor Parson said. "No individual should ever be isolated when in critical care at hospitals or care facilities, and we are happy to sign this legislation to ensure that they won't be." 

HB 2116 - Creates visitation standards for hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities: 

Allows a resident or patient in health care facility in-person contact with a compassionate care visitor during visiting hours.  

“HB 2116 is an essential piece of legislation that will protect the rights of patients by allowing their loved ones to be present during their stay at a hospital or long-term care facility,” State Representative Rusty Black said. 

"The Essential Caregiver and No Patient Left Alone acts are designed to protect patients and residents in care facilities so they never have to face the prospect of being isolated from loved ones or caregivers while providing support for our health care facilities against federal mandates,"  State Senator Bill White said.

SB 710 - Modifies provisions related to health care:

• Requires school nurses to have individualized health care plans in place to respond to students with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. It also requires school nurses to complete seizure-response training every two years;
• Allows contracted agents of a school to be trained by the school nurse and administer epinephrine during times of need; and
• Establishes various awareness weeks and days. 

HB 2331 - Repeals various provisions relating to health and licensing requirements:

• Modifies provisions relating to health care facility inspections and surveys; and
• Makes changes to the Organ Donor Program to increase education and awareness efforts and enable fund diversification to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

HB 2168 - Modifies provisions relating to insurance:

• Adds an automation adjustment to unemployment taxes, along with an equal tax offset, to fund software maintenance for the State’s unemployment insurance system; and 
• Expands the use of medical retainer agreements to include dentists and chiropractors.  

HB 1662 - Changes statute regarding restrictive covenants and deeds:

• Requires the removal of antiquated references to race, color, religion, or national origin from any deed when being recorded after August 28, 2022.

HB 758 -  Modifies provisions relating to bidding procedures for certain public projects and facilities:

• Allows the Office of Administration to utilize the Construction Manager at Risk and Design-Build procurement models for public projects, potentially decreasing cost and increasing efficiency.

SB 886 - Modifies provisions relating to trusts and cemetery trust funds.

For more information on the specifics of each bill signed, visit House.mo.gov, Senate.mo.gov, or click here.

Photos from Thursday's bill signings will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.