Mo. Rev. Stat. § 210.223 — MO Code / Chapter 210 / Section 210.223
210.223 Safe sleep policy to be maintained, purpose — alternatives, written ...
Status: in_force

210.223. Safe sleep policy to be maintained, purpose — alternatives, written instructions required — definitions — training — rulemaking authority. — 1. All licensed child care facilities that provide care for children less than one year of age shall implement and maintain a written safe sleep policy in accordance with the most recent safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The purpose of the safe sleep policy is to maintain a safe sleep environment that reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and sudden unexpected infant deaths in children less than one year of age.

2. When, in the opinion of the infant's licensed health care provider, an infant requires alternative sleep positions or special sleeping arrangements that differ from those set forth in the most recent sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the child care facility shall be provided with written instructions, signed by the infant's licensed health care provider, detailing the alternative sleep positions or special sleeping arrangements for such infant. The child care facility shall put the infant to sleep in accordance with such written instructions.

3. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:

(1) "Sudden infant death syndrome" , the sudden death of an infant less than one year of age that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation has been conducted, including a complete autopsy, an examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history;

(2) "Sudden unexpected infant death" , the sudden and unexpected death of an infant less than one year of age in which the manner and cause of death are not immediately obvious prior to investigation. Causes of sudden unexpected infant death include, but are not limited to, metabolic disorders, hypothermia or hyperthermia, neglect or homicide, poisoning, and accidental suffocation.

4. All employees of licensed child care facilities who care for infants less than one year of age or any volunteer who may be assisting at the facility shall successfully complete department-approved training on the most recent safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics every three years.

5. The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section. Such rules shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Amending any current rules which are not in compliance with the most recent safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics;

(2) Keeping soft or loose bedding away from sleeping infants and out of safe sleep environments, including, but not limited to, bumper pads, pillows, quilts, comforters, sleep positioning devices, sheepskins, blankets, flat sheets, cloth diapers, bibs, and other similar items; and

(3) Prohibiting blankets or other soft or loose bedding from being hung on the sides of cribs.

6. The department of elementary and secondary education may adopt emergency rules to implement the requirements of this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2015, shall be invalid and void.

(L. 2015 S.B. 341, A.L. 2022 S.B. 683)