The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is a state agency in the United States responsible for promoting public health, safeguarding the wellbeing of senior citizens, and ensuring access to quality healthcare services throughout the state of Missouri. The department operates various programs and services focused on disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, and health and welfare of the aging population. The mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is to enhance the health and well-being of Missouri’s citizens by providing leadership and comprehensive health care services and to ensure that Missouri remains a key contributor to the nation’s public health system. Ultimately, the department’s goal is to create a healthier and more vibrant Missouri community for all residents.
Missouri Department Of Health And Senior Services Special Investigations Unit
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Special Investigations Unit is a law enforcement agency responsible for investigating healthcare provider fraud and patient abuse and neglect in Missouri. The unit is comprised of investigators and agents who work closely with healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies to protect Missouri’s citizens from healthcare fraud and abuse.
The mission of the Special Investigations Unit is to investigate and prosecute healthcare provider fraud, abuse, and neglect, educate healthcare professionals about fraud prevention, and work with other agencies to develop and implement effective policies and procedures to prevent healthcare fraud and abuse.
The Special Investigations Unit investigates a wide range of cases involving healthcare providers, including those involving billing fraud, kickbacks, overcharging, unnecessary or excessive procedures, and prescription drug fraud. The unit also investigates cases involving patient abuse and neglect in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare institutions.
If you suspect healthcare provider fraud or patient abuse and neglect in Missouri, you can report it to the Special Investigations Unit by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-800-286-3932. All reports are confidential, and callers may remain anonymous if they choose.
Chelsea – Investigator, Special Investigations Unit
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
- Donald G. Kauerauf, Director
The Department of Health and Senior Services is responsible for managing and promoting all public health programs to improve life and wellness for Missourians. They are responsible for maintaining programs to control and prevent disease; regulation and licensure of health and child care facilities; and programs designed to create safeguards and health resources for seniors and the state’s vulnerable populations.
The department and its four divisions, Community & Public Health, Administration, Regulation & Licensure, Senior & Disability Services; is maintained by a director who is appointed by the State Governor and approved by the Senate.
History
In 1883, Missouri legislature created the State Board of Health after citizens campaigned for a state agency that would be responsible for promoting Missourian’s health and preventing disease. This was a successful endeavor as the population and life expectancy of the average citizen of Missouri rose. When the state government reorganized in 1945, the State Board of Health was replaced with the Division of Health under the Department of Public Health and Welfare. The State Board of Health was again created in 1967 but under the Division of Health.
When the state government reorganized again in 1974, the Division of Health was transferred to the Department of Social Services. At the same time, the divisions programs on environmental engineering and solid waste programs were transferred to the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Crippled Children’s Service became a part of the Division of Health.
In 1985, the Department of Health was created to oversee all public health programs. 15 years later, the Division of Aging was transferred under the Department of Health and renamed The Department of Health and Senior Services in 2001.
References
External links
- Official Website of the Department of Health & Senior Services.
- Publications by or about the Department of Health & Senior Services at Internet Archive.