This act details information to be included in physician abortion reports. Section 188.015, RSMo, is modified to include a definition for the Department of Health and language allowing interpretation of the definitions is removed. In addition, a physician must currently submit an individual complication report for post-abortion care. The Department must publish an annual statistical report.
New language requires the report to include data on abortions or induced and post-abortion care.
The report must contain the gestational age by weekly increments at which abortions are performed. The report must not include any information that would allow the identification of a patient, physician, or hospital or abortion facility. Currently, Section 188.070, RSMo, provides for a misdemeanor for violation of confidentiality. New language increases the penalty to a Class D felony if any person who knowingly violates the confidentiality of records, reports, or documents maintained by the abortion facility or Department of Health. A new Section 191.655 is also added to allow an action for breach of medical record confidentiality, if not otherwise provided for.