Missouri Revised Statutes Title XII. Public Health and Welfare § 210.486. License required, applicants to be investigated--provisional license, when--periods of validity

1. No person shall operate or maintain a foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency without having in full force and effect a valid license issued by the division or the department of health and senior services as provided in section 210.484.

2. The division or the department of health and senior services as provided in section 210.484 shall conduct an investigation of all applicants and such investigation shall include examination of the physical facility and investigation of persons responsible for the care of, planning, and services for the children being served.

3. The division or the department of health and senior services as provided in section 210.484 shall issue a license upon being satisfied that the applicant complies with the applicable provisions of sections 210.481 to 210.536 and rules issued pursuant thereto.

4. The division or the department of health and senior services as provided in section 210.484 shall initiate action on an application within a reasonable time, which shall not exceed thirty days, from receipt of the application.

5. The license shall be valid for a period not to exceed two years from date of issuance.

6. The division or the department of health and senior services as provided in section 210.484 may issue a provisional license to a foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency that is not currently meeting requirements for full licensure but demonstrates the potential capacity to meet full requirements for licensure; but no provisional license shall be issued unless the director is satisfied that the operation of the foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency so licensed is not detrimental to the health and safety of the children being served. The provisional license shall be nonrenewable and shall be valid for a period not to exceed six months from date of issuance.