The Department of Social Services partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth and move families to self sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy and productive lives. Administrative responsibility for agency activities rests with a department director appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate.
Agency programs are managed through its functional divisions as described below. The department maintains field offices in each Missouri county and in the City of St. Louis.
The Children’s Division (CD) works in partnership with families, communities, the courts and other governmental entities toward assuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of Missouri’s children. The Division’s guiding principles are Protection, Partnership, Permanency, Practice Excellence, Prevention and Professionalism. The division works with all parties to safely maintain children in their homes whenever possible and to secure safe, permanent living arrangements when out-of-home placement is necessary. The Children’s Division administers the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline, School Violence Hotline, Intensive In-Home Services, Family Centered Services, Adoption Services, Independent Living, Foster Care, Residential Licensing and preventive services including Early Head Start, Stay-at-Home Parent Program, Child Care Start-Up and Expansion Program, Child Care Subsidy, and other early childhood and early intervention strategies. The division is responsible for the assessment and investigation of all reports to the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline.
The Family Support Division (FSD) exists to provide a continuum of support for families. FSD’s goal is to assist families in maintaining or improving their quality of life. FSD accomplishes this goal for the children and families of Missouri by providing the best possible services to the public.
FSD services include: Income Maintenance programs, including the Food Stamp, Temporary Assistance and Medicaid programs; Rehabilitation Services for the Blind; and the Child Support program. Other programs include: Community Services Block Grant Programs; Low Income Home Energy Assistance; Refugee Resettlement; and Supplemental Nursing Care.
The Division of Youth Services’ (DYS) mission is to protect communities from juvenile offenders in the division’s care and custody and to provide appropriate services to youth and their families. This balanced approach to juvenile justice relies on community partnerships for the development and enhancement of services for the prevention of delinquency. DYS programs are established to provide the mandated services enumerated in Chapter 219.016 in the Revised Statutes of the state of Missouri. These services include assessment, care and treatment, and education of all youth committed to its care. DYS is charged with the care and treatment of youth committed to its custody by one of the 45 Missouri juvenile courts. Towards this end, DYS operates treatment programs ranging from non-residential day treatment centers through secure residential institutions. Additionally, DYS administers the Interstate Compact on Juveniles, operates an accredited school program, and maintains a statewide statistical database of juvenile court referrals. DYS is administratively organized into one central office and five regional offices.
The MO HealthNet Division (MHD) administers the MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) program. MO HealthNet provides medical services to eligible participants within defined program benefits in somewhat the same way insurance companies provide coverage for their policyholders. The services provided include those required by the federal government such as hospital and physician services. Also included are optional services such as pharmaceutical and personal care services authorized by the Missouri General Assembly and identified in state statute. A mandatory Medicaid managed care program is in place for eligible participants in the eastern, central, and western areas of the state. Children, pregnant women, TANF families, and children in state custody receive their medical care through managed care organizations, allowing the state to ensure access to health care and control costs at the same time.
The MO HealthNet Pharmacy Program oversees outpatient prescription drug reimbursement. The pharmacy benefit includes reimbursement for all drug products of manufacturers who have entered into a rebate agree with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and that are dispensed by qualified providers, with few therapeutic category exclusions. In addition, MHD is responsible for program development, benefit design and clinical policy decision-making with activities oriented towards wellness and continuum of care. The MO HealthNet program includes specialized services for specific populations within the state by receiving waiver authority from the federal government. Home and community-based waivers for the elderly, certain developmentally disabled participants, as well as patients with AIDS were obtained and allow the MO HealthNet program to pay for otherwise non-covered home care as an alternative to more expensive institutional care. These services are restricted to those participants who would otherwise require, and whose home care is no more expensive than, institutionalization.
The Missouri Department of Revenue was created in 1945 by the Missouri Constitution to serve as the central collection agency for all state revenue. The primary duties of the Department are to collect taxes, title and register motor vehicles, and license drivers.
In 2009, the Department began the process of offering for bid all license offices, eliminating the era of license office patronage in Missouri. The Department also improved the functionality of the online vehicle registration system.
The Department of Revenue consists of four divisions and the director’s office.
The Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division administers Missouri’s laws that relate to titling and registration of motor vehicles, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, manufactured homes, and marine craft, and licensing drivers. This division consists of three bureaus.
The License Offices Bureau manages the operations of 178 license offices throughout the state. These local offices provide driver licensing and motor vehicle services to Missourians and are operated by individuals or businesses approved through the state of Missouri bid process.
The Driver License Bureau issues, renews, suspends, revokes, and reinstates driver and nondriver licenses and driving permits. The bureau processes and maintains records relating to license issuance, traffic violation point assessments, and failure to appear in court for traffic violations, and also administers administrative alcohol and abuse and lose laws for alcohol/drug offenders.
The Motor Vehicle Bureau issues titles and registers motor vehicles, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, manufactured homes, and marine craft. The bureau also issues registration certificates to motor vehicle and salvage dealers and leasing companies.
The Taxation Division administers Missouri’s tax laws. It processes and administers forms and reports for the collection of revenue due the state and local taxing jurisdictions. This division has four bureaus.
The Business Tax Bureau administers sales and use, financial institutions, insurance premiums, franchise, excise, cigarette and other tobacco products, motor fuel, corporate income, withholding, and county taxes and fees.
The Personal Tax Bureau administers individual income, partnership, fiduciary, and estate taxes.
The Collections and Tax Assistance Bureau provides tax assistance to individuals and businesses and performs appropriate procedures for unpaid tax liabilities.
The Field Compliance Bureau audits businesses both in-state and out-of-state to ensure compliance with Missouri’s tax laws.
The Administration Division provides administrative support to all other areas of the Department. This division includes two bureaus:
The Personnel Services Bureau is responsible for the Department’s personnel matters, forms, legislative contacts, process improvements, policies and procedures, training, and written communications.
The Financial and General Services Bureau is responsible for all accounting, procurement, banking, and general service matters. This bureau also coordinates space and location needs, telecommunications, safety issues, maintenance, and improvement of the work environment within the Department.
The Legal Services Division ensures the Department’s compliance with law and internal policies.
The General Counsel’s Office advises the director and divisions on legal matters relative to the Department, and represents the Department in courts and administrative tribunals.
The Criminal Tax Investigation Bureau investigates and develops information leading to local prosecution of individuals and businesses suspected of violating the laws that the Department administers.
The Compliance and Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducts investigations involving allegations of fraud relating to motor vehicle sales tax, titling and registration, odometer, and motor fuel sales tax as well as cigarette tax fraud, driver’s license fraud and license plate fraud. CIB also ensures the compliance of motor vehicle dealers, salvage businesses, and marine dealers with statutes and licensure regulations. In addition to external investigations, CIB conducts internal audits and investigations of the Department of Revenue and motor vehicle fee offices.
The Director’s Office includes the director, deputy director, and key administrative staff responsible for the overall guidance and direction of the Department.
The Legislative Office serves as the Department’s liaison to the General Assembly. The office provides technical assistance and develops fiscal and revenue estimates on proposed legislation and monitors progress of bills through the legislature.
The Public Information Office develops and maintains positive media and public relations for the Department.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) coordinates statewide law enforcement, criminal justice and public safety efforts to ensure a safe environment for Missourians. The department’s mission is to “provide a safe and secure environment for all individuals through efficient and effective law enforcement, national defense, disaster preparedness, service to veterans and education.” The department is organized into nine divisions.
The Office of the Director is responsible for developing public safety programs, police officer training and certification, and providing legislative guidance on law enforcement issues. Additionally, the director oversees the Crime Victim Services Unit to promote the fair and just treatment of victims of crime and the distribution of federal and state funds in grants for narcotics control, victims’ assistance, commercial vehicle safety, and juvenile justice. Other programs in the Director’s Office provide support services and resources to assist local law enforcement agencies and promote crime prevention.
The Missouri Capitol Police is empowered to enforce state law, conduct criminal investigations, control parking, building security, and monitor life safety systems in the buildings and on the grounds of state owned property located in the city of Jefferson.
The Division of Fire Safety conducts investigations of fires and explosions, provides bomb threat assistance with the use of explosive detecting K-9 units, administers the state’s boiler inspection program and the elevator safety unit, enforces the state’s fireworks laws, certifies firefighters and ensures that firefighter training meets national standards.
The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control is responsible for the regulatory enforcement of Missouri’s liquor laws and the youth access to tobacco. The division licenses approximately 25,000 alcoholic beverage retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers annually, and collects license fees and taxes due on alcoholic beverages.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is a fully accredited, full service law enforcement agency. The MSHP enforces the state’s traffic laws and promotes safety on Missouri highways, conducts criminal and drug investigations, operates commercial motor vehicle weigh stations, enforces commercial motor vehicle safety laws and regulations, and is responsible for Missouri’s driver examination program.
The Missouri Veterans Commission provides counseling and referral assistance regarding state and federal benefits to Missouri veterans, their dependents or survivors, and administers state Veteran’s Homes in St. James, Mt. Vernon, Mexico, Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Cameron and Warrensburg. The Commission operates State Veterans Cemeteries in Springfield, Higginsville, Bloomfield, Jacksonville and Fort Leonard Wood.
The State Emergency Management Agency is responsible for coordinating statewide disaster response and recovery. SEMA also plans mitigation activities with the federal and local governments and volunteer and faith-based organizations. In addition, SEMA coordinates emergency preparedness activities among federal, state, and local agencies.
The Missouri Gaming Commission regulates riverboat gambling at 12 licensed casinos, charitable bingo games and horse racing in Missouri. There are currently no horsing racing facilities in the state.
The Department of Natural Resources is composed of the Office of the Director and five programmatic divisions that include Administrative Support, Energy, Environmental Quality, State Parks and Missouri Geological Survey.
The Office of the Director is the central management unit within the Department of Natural Resources. Responsibilities include coordinating, developing, and implementing the department’s strategic planning efforts, policy research, legislative initiatives and employee relations activities of the department. The Director’s Office is responsible for providing overall direction for the department.
The Division of Administrative Support provides services to ensure efficient and effective operations to fulfill the department’s mission, vision and values. The division includes the functions of budget development, financial resource allocations, internal audit, accounting, human resources, procurement, grants management and general services.
The Division of Energy is focused on affordable and reliable energy generated in the state of Missouri. The division coordinates the state’s energy policy, houses energy-related programs and works to support a strong, comprehensive, coordinated energy plan for Missouri.
The Division of Environmental Quality oversees the state’s environmental programs and regional offices to ensure clean air, land and water by cleaning up pollution from the past, addressing pollution problems of today and identifying potential pollution issues of the future. The programs include: Air Pollution Control, Environmental Remediation, Environmental Services, Waste Management and Water Protection. The regional offices are located in Kansas City, Macon, Poplar Bluff, Springfield and St. Louis.
The Air Pollution Control Program provides staff support to the Air Conservation Commission which is responsible for developing policies to maintain and enhance the state’s air quality. The program works closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement the Clean Air Act. The program researches, develops and implements control strategies that help Missouri improve and maintain healthy air quality. The program also issues construction and operating permits for installations that emit air pollution; selects locations for air monitoring equipment and analyzes data collected from these monitors, and works with general public, stakeholders and the regulated public to comply with local, state and federal air quality regulations.
The department’s Environmental Remediation Program oversees the cleanup and removal of hazardous waste, hazardous substances and petroleum contamination from improper management of waste materials leaked, dumped, spilled or otherwise released onto Missouri lands. The program also oversees cleanup of problem sites resulting from pre-law and pre-regulation disposal or poor past waste management practices. It also regulates underground storage tank operations and provides oversight on shipments of radioactive waste transported through Missouri.
The Environmental Services Program provides analytical information and scientific data that supports the other programs in the department. The program also provides direct assistance to local communities and emergency responders throughout Missouri. The Environmental Emergency Response Section provides 24/7 support and response to significant and imminent hazardous substance releases, natural or man-made disaster and homeland security threats that may impact public safety and the environment. The section also supports law enforcement in managing hazardous wastes associated with illegal drug labs.
The department’s Waste Management Program protects public health and the environment by working with Missouri individuals, businesses, industry, governments and schools to make sure they know how to safely collect, handle and dispose of their waste. The program regulates and oversees solid waste disposal and processing facilities, hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities, and hazardous waste sites requiring remediation, or cleanup. The program oversees the cleanup of illegal scrap tire dumpsites, conducts scrap tire inspections and investigations, provides funding to nonprofit groups to clean up scrap tire dumpsites. The program also promotes responsible waste management through waste reduction, reuse, recycling and proper disposal.
The department’s Water Protection Program administers clean water and drinking water responsibilities for Missouri. The program is delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct duties for the federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, and also carries out state responsibilities, such as operator certification and construction permitting. The Water Protection Program works with stakeholders, the general public and regulated facilities to comply with state and federal water regulations.
The department’s Missouri Geological Survey investigates the state’s geology and determines the character and availability of the state’s energy and mineral resources. Staff provide geologic and hydrologic information and expertise to aid economic development, infrastructure considerations, and environmental decision-making regarding site remediation, contaminant migration, subsurface investigations and geologic hazards. The division oversees the proper construction of all wells, including water, oil, gas, exploration, heat pumps and monitoring.
The Dam and Reservoir Safety Program provides public safety of downstream residents against dam failure as well as protects the investment and purpose of the reservoir. The program regulates nonfederal, nonagricultural dams 35 feet high and higher through inspections and issuing permits. The program also performs emergency response to dams in distress and provides engineering evaluation of conditions during natural disasters to protect life and property.
The Geological Survey Program provides integrated earth science information and related services.The program investigates the state’s geology, providing geologic and hydrologic information and expertise. The program also oversee the proper construction of all wells and determines the character and availability of the state’s energy and mineral resources.
The Land Reclamation Program provides staff support and technical assistance to the Missouri Mining Commission. Undertaking remedial clean up of abandoned mining operations is a primary function of the Land Reclamation Program. In addition, the program is responsible for assuring the permitting and regulation of existing mining operations in the State of Missouri to ensure mining operations are managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Soil and Water Conservation Program administers the policies and general programs developed by the Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission for saving soil and protecting water quality on agricultural lands. The primary responsibility of the program is to assist a soil and water conservation district in each of Missouri’s 114 counties as they promote voluntary soil and water conservation to their constituents.
The Water Resources Center operates a statewide groundwater observation well network with real-time water quantity data. The center collects and analyzes surface water flow data for reaction to flood and drought emergencies. The center also provides guidance, data and technical expertise in preserving and developing sustainable regional water supplies throughout Missouri.
The Division of State Parks, known as Missouri State Parks, manages the Missouri state park system and administers grant programs that provide financial assistance for a variety of outdoor recreation and historic preservation purposes. The division works to protect and interpret the state’s most outstanding natural and cultural resources while providing recreational opportunities compatible with those resources. The division manages the Missouri state park system, which contains 92 state parks and historic sites plus the trails at Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry. The State Historic Preservation Office helps facilitate the process of identifying historic properties significant to the citizens, state and nation, and planning for their preservation. Missouri’s state park system has been ranked as one of the top four state park systems in the nation on multiple occasions.
The Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority, under Chapter 260, RSMo is an independent, self-supporting, quasi-governmental agency assigned to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Due to the special independent status as “a body corporate and politic,” the authority is able to issue tax-exempt bonds and utilize fees charged for issuance of its bonds and notes. The authority is empowered to conduct environmental and energy research and development activities, develop alternative methods of financing environmental and energy projects, and assist Missouri communities, organizations, and businesses in obtaining low-cost funds and other financial assistance for projects related to the authority purpose.
The Missouri Department of Mental Health serves citizens by working to prevent, treat and habilitate individuals with mental disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders; and by improving the public understanding and attitudes about those with mental health conditions.
The department benefits from the counsel of a seven-member citizen commission, which hires the director and serves as policy advisors to the director. The members of the Mental Health Commission, who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, are selected for their experience and expertise in the various facets of mental health care.
The Department of Mental Health is comprised of three divisions that serve more than 170,000 Missourians annually: Division of Behavioral Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities and Division of Administrative Services. It operates 26 facilities/offices and contracts with more than 1,300 local agencies to provide community-based care.
The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) manages programs and services for people who need help for mental illness or substance use disorders. Services available are evaluation, intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, recovery support, family support, prevention, education, and mental health promotion.
Most prevention and treatment services are provided by community programs that have contracts with the Division. These programs must meet federal and state requirements in order to provide mental health and substance use disorder services. The cost of services is based on an individual’s ability to pay.
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD) contracts for services and supports for people with disabilities and their families which include early childhood intervention, therapies, skills training, vocational training, and recreational and residential supports. These services meet lifetime needs of people with disabilities.
The Division of DD’s philosophy is to support persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities by empowering the individuals and their families, and work with them to identify their most important needs and find the most cost-effective way to meet those needs.
The Division of Administrative Services provides the following functions within the Department of Mental Health: accounting, purchasing and general services, budget and finance, reimbursements and directs Medicaid issues within the department.
The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is responsible for administering programs that provide an income for workers to offset the loss of a job because of an injury or layoff; collecting unemployment contributions from employers and paying unemployment benefits to those who lost their job due to no fault of their own; determining the appropriate bargaining unit for public employees; regulating wages for public works and construction projects; enforcing the minimum wage law and child labor law, promoting safe working environments; enforcing Missouri’s anti-discriminatory statutes and preventing and eliminating discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, and places of public.
The Division of Employment Security collects tax contributions from employers and pays unemployment benefits to individuals who are determined eligible under the law. State unemployment contributions paid by Missouri employers into the Missouri Trust Fund are set aside for the sole purpose of providing for the payment of weekly unemployment benefits to qualified claimants. The unemployment benefits paid to insured workers help to maintain the economy of the state during periods of economic downturn by helping preserve the level of consumer purchasing power.
The Division’s contributions section ensures that employers are properly classifying their workers, reporting their workers’ wages and paying the correct tax contributions on wages.
The Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation administers the programs which provide for Missouri workers who are injured on the job or develop occupational diseases. The Division focuses on making sure that those who can return to work do so as soon as possible, having received adequate treatment and benefits. For those who cannot return to work because of their injury or injuries, the Division ensures that they receive the permanent benefits allowed by Missouri law.
The Division has seven offices throughout Missouri with the main office being in Jefferson City. Missouri employers are required to report workplace injuries within 30 days of occurrence. The Division receives reports of injury for approximately 100,000 injuries each year.
The Division of Labor Standards consists of five sections: Wage and Hour, On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Service, Mine and Cave Safety and Health, Workers’ Safety Program, and Research and Analysis.
The Wage and Hour section enforces the state’s laws on Prevailing Wage, Child Labor and Minimum Wage.
The On-Site safety and Health program provides important resources to employers, including free confidential, consultation service to ensure compliance with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Additionally, the Mine and Cave section inspects mine and cave sites, trains miners in the practice of implementing safe and healthy working habits. The Workers’ Safety Program certifies and audits safety consultants, engineers, and programs used by employers, and the Research and Analysis section collects survey information from employers across the state regarding workplace injuries and incorporates them into reports published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The State Board of Mediation is a quasi-judicial board created by the General Assembly in 1947. Article I Section 29 of the Missouri Constitution states that all employees shall have the right to organize and to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing. The Board of Mediation is charged with determining appropriate bargaining units of public employees, based on their community of interests and regulating of the labor relations of public utilities. The Board also conducts elections to determine the representation status of petitioning bargaining units for public employees only.
The Missouri Human Rights Act requires the Commission to receive, investigate, settle, or hear complaints of alleged discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. The Commission is enabled to certify local commissions, establish relationships with federal and local civil and human rights agencies, implement educational or research programs, and develop ways to prevent discrimination. The Commission has authority over complaints based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, ages 40-69 (in employment only), and familial status (in housing only).
We protect Missouri consumers through our oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, professional licensees, and utilities
operating in the state. We educate and advocate for Missourians as well as regulate fairly and impartially the industries and professionals
under our purview.
• Examines and oversees Missouri’s 83 state-chartered credit unions.
• Responds to consumer complaints concerning credit union services or operations.
• Charters and examines Missouri’s 193 state-chartered banks, non-deposit trust companies and savings and loan associations to
safeguard the deposit and trust assets of account holders and ensure that trust in Missouri’s financial system is maintained.
• Licenses and examines consumer credit companies, credit services organizations, money order companies, mortgage broker
companies, and mortgage loan originators to verify that consumers receive the protections afforded by law.
• Monitors and analyzes the financial solvency of insurance companies licensed in Missouri to ensure consumer claims can be paid.
• Licenses and regulates captive insurance companies, authorized reinsurance companies, and other insurance-related entities.
• Reviews all premium tax, surplus lines tax, and captive premium tax filings.
• Acts as a liaison between consumers and the insurance industry by receiving complaints against insurance companies, insurance
producers (agents), and other licensees.
• Investigates complaints to ensure consumers are being treated fairly under the law.
• Conducts education and outreach to Missourians about insurance topics.
• Reviews insurance policy forms and materials to ensure compliance with Missouri laws and regulations.
• Conducts market analysis and market conduct examinations, and investigations of insurance companies to protect policyholders and
ensure laws are followed.
• Monitors Missouri’s insurance market through the collection and compilation of industry financial and claim data.
• Represents the public and the interests of utility customers in proceedings before the Missouri Public Service Commission.
• Provides guidance to landowners facing the condemnation of their property through the use of eminent domain.
• Supports 41 professional licensing boards and commissions responsible for licensing and regulating the activities of Missouri
professionals.
• The boards and commissions process applications, administer examinations, and when warranted – conduct investigations into
possible professional misconduct which may result in disciplinary action against the practitioner.
• Independently governed commission that regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, steam, water, and sewer utilities in Missouri.
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) carries out the goals and administrative responsibilities for the state system of higher education. A board made up of citizens from each of the state’s nine congressional districts—the Coordinating Board for Higher Education—oversees the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
DHEWD serves about 569,000 students through 13 public four-year campuses, 20 public two-year colleges, one public two-year technical college, 25 independent colleges and universities, and 145 proprietary and private career schools.
Oversight for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services comes from the director, who is responsible for management of the department and the administration of its programs and services. The deputy department director assists the director in the management of the department and acts for the director in his or her absence. The divisions of Administration, Community and Public Health, Regulation and Licensure, and Senior and Disability Services; and the offices of Human Resources, Public Information, General Counsel, Governmental Policy and Legislation, report to the director and deputy department director.
A State Board of Health and a State Board of Senior Services advise the director regarding the priorities, policies and programs of the department and review rules promulgated by the department. The boards each consist of seven members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Missouri Senate.
The Division of Administration provides a variety of support services for the Director’s Office and the programmatic divisions of the department. Services include budget administration; grant and contract administration; accounting and procurement functions; internal audit; maintenance of the inventory of physical assets; warehouse, delivery and mailroom services; and building lease management.
The Division of Community and Public Health is responsible for supporting and operating more than 100 programs and offices addressing public health issues such as communicable disease control, chronic disease management, genetic health conditions, cancer, pregnancy, vital statistics, oral health and health care access. The division also assures the continuity of essential public health services to women, minorities and those living in rural areas.
The Center for Emergency Response and Terrorism is responsible for coordinating regional and state preparedness for public health emergencies and natural disasters, including biological, chemical and nuclear terrorism. Through partnerships with hospitals and other health care organizations, local entities including government and first responder agencies, and other partners, the center works to assure systems are in place to protect the health of Missourians during a public health emergency.
The Center for Local Public Health Services works to strengthen Missouri’s public health system of 114 local public health agencies. It provides leadership, training and technical assistance to those agencies, communities, not-for-profit organizations and other health-related key stakeholders regarding the development of processes that improve community-based public health systems.
The Section for Chronic Disease Prevention and Nutrition Services directs statewide programs that are designed to prevent and control chronic diseases for all Missourians and support the nutritional health of high-risk populations. The section provides leadership in assessment, planning and policy development and implementation of evidence-based approaches to prevent and control cancer and chronic diseases, the leading causes of death in Missouri. In addition, the section administers statewide programs that provide food assistance and nutrition services, early screening and detection, and health promotion interventions to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases (e.g., tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor diets). These programs are managed through the Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Disease Control; Bureau of Health Promotion; Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance; and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Nutrition Services.
The Section for Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology is the principal section involved in the investigation of the cause, origin, and method of transmission of communicable (or infectious) diseases and environmentally related medical conditions. The interrelated services focus on surveillance of diseases and the environment, upon which appropriate prevention and control interventions are based, including responses to disease outbreak situations. Included are specific responsibilities related to immunizations, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, other communicable diseases, food and water-borne illnesses, zoonoses (diseases that humans contract from animals), emerging infections such as SARS, Monkeypox, and West Nile Virus, food safety and protection, environmentally related health hazards (such as elevated blood lead levels) and hazardous substance control. The section also provides key environmental services that regulate or license lodging facilities, onsite sewage systems, lead removal contractor training and licensing, frozen dessert licensing, food processing and retail food protection, as well as sanitation inspections of child care facilities. The primary units are the bureaus of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention; Environmental Epidemiology; Environmental Regulations and Licensure; Immunization Assessment and Assurance; HIV, STD and Hepatitis; and the Office of Veterinary Public Health.
The Section for Epidemiology for Public Health Practice promotes a better understanding of health problems and needs in Missouri and assists the division in many functions including initiation and maintenance of surveillance systems, data management and reporting; collection of birth and death information; coordination of specific grants; public information dissemination; and fiscal services. The section also issues certified copies of Missouri birth and death records. These support services are available through the offices of Epidemiology, Community Health Information; and the bureaus of Health Informatics, and Vital Records.
The Section for Healthy Families and Youth promotes optimal health by providing leadership to both the public and private sectors in assessing health care needs of families and communities and assuring that the health system responds appropriately. This section is also responsible for developing policy; planning systems of care; and designing, implementing and evaluating programs to meet the health care needs of families in the state of Missouri. The primary units are the bureaus of Genetics and Healthy Childhood, and Special Health Care Needs.
The State Public Health Laboratory provides testing services in the fields of newborn screening, chemistry, environmental bacteriology, microbiology, serology and virology. Each year, the laboratory performs more than 5 million tests (many required by law). It is the only Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Laboratory Response Network laboratory in Missouri. The laboratory is also responsible for approving methods and instruments and issuing permits to qualified individuals to perform tests used to enforce Missouri’s law prohibiting driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The Division of Regulation and Licensure has responsibility for a spectrum of services for Missouri citizens from child care to elder issues, as well as the Family Care Safety Registry, the Board of Nursing Home Administrators, and the Certificate of Need program.
The Section for Health Standards and Licensure is responsible for assuring that the care and services provided by hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, home health agencies, hospices, ambulance services, emergency medical technicians, persons who prescribe or dispense controlled substances, end stage renal dialysis facilities, and other types of health care facilities meet state and Medicare/Medicaid standards. Periodic licensure surveys and complaint investigations are also performed as part of the section’s authority.
The Section for Long-Term Care Regulation is responsible for conducting state inspections and federal surveys, and for investigating complaints regarding long-term care facilities. The section also conducts the federal participation survey of habilitative facilities servicing clients diagnosed with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities who participate in the Medicaid program. The section oversees the Pre-Admission Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASARR) process, provides construction plan review services to health care facilities regarding new construction and extensive remodeling projects, and maintains the level one medication aide register, certified medication technician register and the federally mandated nurse assistant register.
The Division of Senior and Disability Services is the designated State Unit on Aging, carrying out the mandates of the State of Missouri regarding programs and services for seniors. The division is responsible for the development and implementation of programs designed to protect seniors and adults with disabilities and for the administration of an integrated system of care for eligible adults that require long-term care. In coordination with the department director, the division director, deputy division director and financial office advise legislators, advocates, state agencies and other organizations and individuals regarding services and data available to support this function.
The Section for Adult Protective and Community Services investigates reports of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation and provides crisis intervention and Adult Protective Services for eligible adults (age 18 and over) who are determined to be unable or unwilling to provide or access services needed to meet their daily needs. Additionally, the section provides oversight to Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services that are authorized on behalf of adults choosing to receive long-term care in the home or community. The section administers programs designed to maximize independence and safety for adults who choose to remain independent in the community by accessing state and federal community-based programs.
The Central Registry Unit (CRU) maintains the statewide toll-free telephone number (800-392-0210) for reporting alleged abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of persons age 60 and older and adults with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 59. Reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation include those living in a community setting (such as a private residence or apartment), as well as those residing in state licensed long-term care facilities (such as a nursing home or a residential care facility). The CRU also registers reports from other care settings such as hospitals, on services delivered through state-contracted in-home service providers, home health agencies, and hospice programs. The Missouri Shared Care Tax Credit registry is also maintained at CRU.
The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for facility residents, has responsibility for complaint resolution on behalf of facility residents, educates and trains staff, consumers and community partners on issues related to long-term facility care, and manages volunteer ombudsmen serving in facilities across the state.
The Bureau of Senior Programs is responsible for oversight of programs authorized and funded through the Older Americans Act. The Bureau is responsible for collaboration and coordination of programs within various state agencies and local communities as necessary to set policy and integrate state and federal goals for seniors within Missouri with emphasis on programs that enable seniors to maximize independence and safety in the community. Program implementation is administered by Area Agencies on Aging who are responsible for ensuring that federal funding is allocated in a manner that reflects the needs of seniors within each of the ten planning and service areas.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the administrative arm of the State Board of Education. It is primarily a service agency that works with educators, legislators, government agencies, community leaders and citizens to maintain a strong public education system. Through its statewide school-improvement activities and regulatory functions, the Department strives to assure that all citizens have access to high-quality public education. DESE does not regulate, monitor or accredit private, parochial or home schools.
The Department’s responsibilities range from early childhood to adult education services. The Department employs about 1,700 people throughout the state and has a total budget of about $5.4 billion. About 96 percent of the budget consists of state and federal funds that are distributed to local school districts and other agencies.
The Commissioner of Education directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and fulfills other duties as prescribed by law (Section 161.122, RSMo). The law states that the Commissioner shall “seek in every way to elevate the standards and efficiency of the instruction given in the public schools of the state.”
In addition to the Commissioner of Education, the department organization reflects functions under two divisions, Financial and Administrative Services and Learning Services.
This division is responsible for distributing all federal and state funds to local school districts and other agencies that provide education-related services. The division assists local school officials with budgeting, audits, and the reporting of financial statistics, both state and federal. The division also provides assistance with school administrative and governance issues. Other personnel in this division administer the federally-funded school lunch and breakfast programs. This division also manages the department’s internal business operations, such as accounting and procurement, budget, and human resources.
This division is responsible for all of the department’s activities related to educational success of students, educators, and schools. The division includes offices which manage quality schools, college- and career-readiness, special education, educator quality, early and extended learning, adult learning and rehabilitative services, and the data system management.
The Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services administers statewide veterans education services.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides specialized services to adult citizens with disabilities to help them achieve employment and independence. Offices are maintained across the state to provide convenient services to clients. Rehabilitation Services personnel provide individualized counseling, training and other services to help clients achieve gainful employment or independent living. Rehabilitation Services is supported primarily with federal funds. The office currently funds Independent Living Centers across the state. These centers provide counseling, advocacy, personal care, and training in independent living skills for adults with disabilities. The Disability Determinations program is part of this office and operates under regulations of the Social Security Administration. Located in offices across the state, Disability Determinations personnel adjudicate claims from Missouri residents seeking federal disability benefits.
The Office of Childhood is responsible for overseeing the department’s efforts to expand and improve high-quality early learning opportunities for children birth to age five, as well as, providing afterschool programs for school-age children. Programs administered through this office include early intervention, early childhood special education, home visiting, child care subsidy, and afterschool.
The office is responsible for policies and procedures related to quality incentives, such as the early learning standards and the quality assurance report pilot that supports educators in using best practices for young children and families. The office also provides various professional development opportunities to promote safe and quality early care and education environments through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program.
The office is responsible for conducting state inspections and investigating complaints at licensed family child care homes, group child care homes, and child care centers. Staff in the office also conduct health and safety inspections at licensed-exempt child care facilities (e.g., religious based programs, nursing schools).
An important initiative for this office is the Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five, a three-year grant aimed at coordinating a more effective, high-quality early learning system that better prepares Missouri children for success. The department is the lead agency for the grant and works closely with other state agencies and organizations, including Children’s Trust Fund, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, and the Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office.
The Office of College and Career Readiness provides technical assistance to local school personnel in the adoption and adaptation of the state’s performance standards, and curriculum development/adoption of all content areas — math, science, social studies, English/communication arts, health/physical education, fine arts; as well as the career and technical content areas of agriculture, food and natural resources; business, marketing and information technology; family consumer sciences and human services; and technology, health and skilled technical sciences; and school counseling. This office also assists schools and career centers with the administration of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and Missouri career and technical student organizations. In addition, this office is responsible for the development and oversight of the Missouri Assessment Program, consisting of the annual, grade-level assessments for grades 3 – 8 and the end-of-course high school assessments, as well as the administration of NAEP (National Assessment on Educational Progress). The office hosts the statewide adult education services as well, including adult education and literacy and the high school equivalency-testing program.
The Office of Data System Management collects, analyzes and reports education-related data through the department’s Web Applications system. Those collection and reporting systems include the Missouri Comprehensive Data System (MCDS), Missouri Student Information System (MOSIS), Core Data, User Manager and EdFacts federal reporting. The MCDS Portal maintains a P-20 longitudinal data system utilized for tracking and research of student progress and achievement, postsecondary and workforce preparation, adult learning and GED/HiSET completers, etc. In addition, the office collects and generates data to meet federal reporting requirements and compliance, as well as provide data utilized in research and analysis that impacts policy decision-making.
The Office of Educator Quality is responsible for evaluating educator preparation programs offered by Missouri’s higher education institutions. The Office of Educator Quality also issues certificates (licenses) to all professional personnel who work in the state’s public school systems, as well as assisting with the review of certificate-holders who are charged with misconduct. This office is responsible for development of innovative professional development programs for educators (teachers and administrators) at the state level. It also assists in the development of teacher, principal and administrator standards, as well as development of evaluation models for school personnel.
A primary function of the Office of Quality Schools is to manage the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP), the state’s accreditation system for public school districts. This office also administers a wide range of state- and federally-funded programs that assist local schools (Title I, Title III and other federal programs), charter and other innovative schools, as well as developing a statewide system of support for schools, communities and families. Schools also are provided assistance on federal and state-developed improvement initiatives which are coordinated with other state and regional services.
The Office of Special Education administers state and federal funds to support services for students and adults with disabilities. The office works with local school districts in developing and improving special education services for students (ages 3-21) with disabilities. It also provides financial and technical support for all approved sheltered workshops in the state. Sheltered workshops provide employment for adults with disabilities. This office also oversees the operation of three school systems administered by the State Board of Education. These are the Missouri School for the Blind, the Missouri School for the Deaf and the Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled. Through their outreach programs and consulting services, these school systems assist local school personnel and families throughout the state in meeting the needs of children with disabilities.
