Authorizes the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri to own or operate health care facilities

SB 1696 authorizes the University of Missouri Board of Curators to own, operate, or manage hospitals and health care facilities across Missouri. The bill allows the Board to acquire health care entities, assets, or services through purchases, leases, or partnerships. It specifically exempts the Board from penalties under Section 416.051 when operating in 25 designated counties, including Boone, Cole, and Jackson. This change enables the University of Missouri to expand its health care services without facing certain regulatory penalties in those counties.