Missouri § 190.243 - Transportation to trauma, STEMI, or stroke centers or hospitals, how authorized.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 190.243 — Transportation to trauma, STEMI, or stroke centers or hospitals, how authorized., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 190.243. Transportation to trauma, STEMI, or stroke centers or hospitals, how authorized.
1. Severely injured patients shall be transported to a trauma center. Patients who suffer a STEMI, as defined in section 190.100, shall be transported to a STEMI center. Patients who suffer a stroke, as defined in section 190.100, shall be transported to a stroke center.
2. A physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse authorized by a physician who has established verbal communication with ambulance personnel shall instruct the ambulance personnel to transport a severely ill or injured patient to the closest hospital or designated trauma, STEMI, or stroke center, as determined according to estimated transport time whether by ground ambulance or air ambulance, in accordance with transport protocol approved by the medical director and the department of health and senior services, even when the hospital is located outside of the ambulance service's primary service area. When initial transport from the scene of illness or injury to a trauma, STEMI, or stroke center would be prolonged, the STEMI, stroke, or severely injured patient may be transported to the nearest appropriate facility for stabilization prior to transport to a trauma, STEMI, or stroke center.
3. Transport of the STEMI, stroke, or severely injured patient shall be governed by principles of timely and medically appropriate care; consideration of reimbursement mechanisms shall not supersede those principles.
4. Patients who do not meet the criteria for direct transport to a trauma, STEMI, or stroke center shall be transported to and cared for at the hospital of their choice so long as such ambulance service is not in violation of local protocols.
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(L. 1987 S.B. 31 & 29 § 5, A.L. 1998 S.B. 743, A.L. 2008 H.B. 1790, A.L. 2022 H.B. 2331)
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Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 190.243
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 190.243 cover?
Section 190.243 ("Transportation to trauma, STEMI, or stroke centers or hospitals, how authorized.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 190.243?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 190.243" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 190.243 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.