Missouri Revised Statutes Title XL. Additional Executive Departments § 630.162. Mandatory reporters--preventing or discouraging reporting, penalty

1. When any physician, physician assistant, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, intern, resident, nurse, nurse practitioner, medical examiner, social worker, licensed professional counselor, certified substance abuse counselor, psychologist, physical therapist, pharmacist, other health practitioner, minister, Christian Science practitioner, facility administrator, nurse's aide or orderly in a residential facility, day program or specialized service operated, funded or licensed by the department or in a mental health facility or mental health program in which people may be admitted on a voluntary basis or are civilly detained under chapter 632; or employee of the departments of social services, mental health, or health and senior services; or home health agency or home health agency employee; hospital and clinic personnel engaged in examination, care, or treatment of persons; in-home services owner, provider, operator, or employee; law enforcement officer; long-term care facility administrator or employee; mental health professional; peace officer; probation or parole officer; or other nonfamilial person with responsibility for the care of a vulnerable person, as defined by section 630.005, has reasonable cause to suspect that such a person has been subjected to abuse or neglect or observes such a person being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, he or she shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the department in accordance with section 630.163. Any other person who becomes aware of circumstances which may reasonably be expected to be the result of or result in abuse or neglect may report to the department. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a duly ordained minister, clergy, religious worker, or Christian Science practitioner while functioning in his or her ministerial capacity shall not be required to report concerning a privileged communication made to him or her in his or her professional capacity.

2. Any residential facility, day program or specialized service operated, funded or licensed by the department that prevents or discourages a patient, resident or client, employee or other person from reporting that a patient, resident or client of a facility, program or service has been abused or neglected shall be subject to loss of their license issued under sections 630.705 to 630.760, and civil fines of up to five thousand dollars for each attempt to prevent or discourage reporting.

3. Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a vulnerable person is abused or neglected solely because such person chooses to rely on spiritual means through prayer, in lieu of medical care, for his or her health care, as evidenced by such person's explicit consent, advance directive for health care, or practice.