Missouri § 191.737 - Children exposed to substance abuse, referral by physician to children's division — physician making referral immune from civil liability — confidentiality of report.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 191.737 — Children exposed to substance abuse, referral by physician to children's division — physician making referral immune from civil liability — confidentiality of report., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 191.737. Children exposed to substance abuse, referral by physician to children's division — physician making referral immune from civil liability — confidentiality of report.
1. Notwithstanding the physician-patient privilege, any physician or health care provider may refer to the children's division families in which children may have been exposed to a controlled substance listed in section 195.017, schedules I, II and III, or alcohol as evidenced by a written assessment, made or approved by a physician, health care provider, or by the children's division, that documents the child as being at risk of abuse or neglect and either:
(1) Medical documentation of signs and symptoms consistent with controlled substances or alcohol exposure in the child at birth; or
(2) Results of a confirmed toxicology test for controlled substances performed at birth on the mother or the child.
2. Notwithstanding the physician-patient privilege, any physician or health care provider shall refer to the children's division families in which infants are born and identified as affected by substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure, or a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as evidenced by:
(1) Medical documentation of signs and symptoms consistent with controlled substances or alcohol exposure in the child at birth; or
(2) Results of a confirmed toxicology test for controlled substances performed at birth on the mother or the child.
3. Nothing in this section shall preclude a physician or other mandated reporter from reporting abuse or neglect of a child as required pursuant to the provisions of section 210.115.
4. Any physician or health care provider complying with the provisions of this section, in good faith, shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise result by reason of such actions.
5. Referral and associated documentation provided for in this section shall be confidential and shall not be used in any criminal prosecution.
--------
(L. 1991 S.B. 190 § 7, A.L. 2014 H.B. 1299 Revision, A.L. 2018 S.B. 819, A.L. 2019 S.B. 514)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2019 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 191.737
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 191.737 cover?
Section 191.737 ("Children exposed to substance abuse, referral by physician to children's division — physician making referral immune from civil liability — confidentiality of report.") 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 § 191.737?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 191.737" (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 § 191.737 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.