Healthcare (Children)

HB 2745 requires specific health screenings for children entering Missouri's foster care system under the Children's Division. Within 72 hours of custody, a pediatrician must conduct a physical exam, and within 30 days, a developmental/behavioral screening must be completed by a licensed professional. Foster families gain access to the child's medical records within 30 days, and screenings must follow American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. The bill directly affects children in state custody, their foster caregivers, and healthcare providers involved in their care.

HB 2490 requires licensed child care facilities (not public schools) to stock epinephrine auto-injectors and establish allergy response protocols. Facilities must train staff to recognize severe allergic reactions, store devices properly, and follow specific administration procedures, including obtaining parental consent when possible. The bill also provides liability protection for staff acting in good faith under these protocols and mandates written allergy management policies by July 2028. These changes directly affect child care providers and their staff, aiming to improve emergency response for severe allergies in childcare settings.