Missouri Revised Statutes Title XII. Public Health and Welfare § 210.166. Medical neglect of child, who may bring action--procedure

The children's division, any juvenile officer, any physician licensed under chapter 334, any hospital or other health care institution, and any other person or institution authorized by state or federal law to provide medical care may bring an action in the circuit court in the county where any child under eighteen years of age resides or is located, alleging the child is suffering from the denial or deprivation, by those responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child, of medical or surgical treatment or intervention which is necessary to remedy or ameliorate a medical condition which is life-threatening or causes injury. Those responsible for the care, custody and control of the child include, but is not limited to, the parents or guardian of the child, other members of the child's household, or those exercising supervision over a child for any part of a twenty-four-hour day. A petition filed under this section shall be expedited by the court involved in every manner practicable, including, but not limited to, giving such petition priority over all other matters on the court's docket and holding a hearing, at which the parent, guardian or other person having authority to consent to the medical care in question shall, after being notified thereof, be given the opportunity to be heard, and issuing a ruling as expeditiously as necessary when the child's condition is subject to immediate deterioration. Any circuit or associate circuit judge of this state shall have the authority to ensure that medical services are provided to the child when the child's health requires it.