Section 198.087 - Uniformity of application of regulation standards, department's dutiesTo ensure uniformity of application of regulation standards in long-term care facilities throughout the state, the department of health and senior services shall:
(1) Evaluate the requirements for inspectors or surveyors of facilities, including the eligibility, training and testing requirements for the position. Based on the evaluation, the department shall develop and implement additional training and knowledge standards for inspectors and surveyors;(2) Periodically evaluate the performance of the inspectors or surveyors regionally and statewide to identify any deviations or inconsistencies in regulation application. At a minimum, the Missouri on-site surveyor evaluation process, and the number and type of actions overturned by the informal dispute resolution process and formal appeal shall be used in the evaluation. Based on such evaluation, the department shall develop standards and a retraining process for the region, state, or individual inspector or surveyor, as needed;(3) In addition to the provisions of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this section, the department shall develop a single uniform comprehensive and mandatory course of instruction for inspectors/surveyors on the practical application of enforcement of statutes, rules and regulations. Such course shall also be open to attendance by administrators and staff of facilities licensed pursuant to this chapter;(4) Evaluate the implementation and compliance of the provisions of subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of section 198.012 in which rules, requirements, regulations and standards pursuant to section 197.080 for assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities attached to an acute care hospital are consistent with the intent of this chapter; and(5) Develop rules and regulations requiring the exchange of information, including regulatory violations, between the department and the department of social services to ensure the protection of individuals who are served by health care providers regulated by either * department.Amended by 2014 Mo. Laws, HRB 1299,s A, eff. 8/28/2014.L. 1999 S.B. 326 § 11, A.L. 2006S.B. 616 , A.L. 2010H.B. 1965.