After the petition has been filed, the circuit court is required to hear the matter within 96 hours. The local board has the authority to detain the person named in the petition pending the circuit court's decision on the petition. If the ex parte petition is granted, the person named in the petition will be committed to a facility designated by the Curators of the University of Missouri until a full hearing is held. No impact on state funds. Supporters say that persons with active tuberculosis who do not comply with a treatment regimen are exposing others to the risk of infection and increasing the possibility of developing drug resistance.
Drug resistance results in a longer treatment regimen and increased medical costs.
Adopting the ex parte petition for emergency temporary commitment for non-compliant persons with active tuberculosis will minimize the risk of exposing others to infection and improve the current procedure when filing for a petition for commitment. There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Hosmer This bill revises provisions concerning a local board of health's filing for a petition to commit persons with active tuberculosis or persons who are potential transmitters by adding provisions concerning emergency temporary commitment. If a person with active tuberculosis or who is a potential transmitter conducts himself or herself in a manner which exposes others to the immediate danger of infection, the board can file an ex parte petition for emergency temporary commitment with a circuit court. After the ex parte petition for emergency temporary commitment has been filed, the circuit court is required to hear the matter within 96 hours.