210.166. Medical neglect of child, who may bring action--procedure. - Missouri Statutes

Medical neglect of child, who may bring action--procedure.

210.166. The division of family services, any juvenileofficer, any physician licensed under chapter 334, RSMo, anyhospital or other health care institution, and any other personor institution authorized by state or federal law to providemedical care may bring an action in the circuit court in thecounty where any child under eighteen years of age resides or islocated, alleging the child is suffering from the denial ordeprivation, by those responsible for the care, custody, andcontrol of the child, of medical or surgical treatment orintervention which is necessary to remedy or ameliorate a medicalcondition which is life-threatening or causes injury. Thoseresponsible for the care, custody and control of the childinclude, but is not limited to, the parents or guardian of thechild, other members of the child's household, or thoseexercising supervision over a child for any part of atwenty-four-hour day. A petition filed under this section shallbe expedited by the court involved in every manner practicable,including, but not limited to, giving such petition priority overall other matters on the court's docket and holding a hearing, atwhich the parent, guardian or other person having authority toconsent to the medical care in question shall, after beingnotified thereof, be given the opportunity to be heard, andissuing a ruling as expeditiously as necessary when the child'scondition is subject to immediate deterioration. Any circuit orassociate circuit judge of this state shall have the authority toensure that medical services are provided to the child when thechild's health requires it.

(L. 1985 S.B. 5, et al. § 5, A.L. 1994 S.B. 595)