This section defines key terms used in Missouri genetic disease provisions.
191.300. Definitions. — As used in sections 191.300 to 191.380, the following terms mean: (1) "Committee", the Missouri genetic disease advisory committee; (2) "Cystic fibrosis", a serious lung problem of children; an inherited disorder which produces chronic involvement of the respiratory and digestive systems; (3) "Department", the department of health and senior services; (4) "Director", the director of the state department of health and senior services; (5) "Genetic counseling", the provision and interpretation of medical information based on expanding knowledge of human genetics; (6) "Genetic disorders", abnormalities of structure, function, or body metabolism which may be inherited or may result from damage to the fetus; (7) "Genetic screening", the search through testing for persons with genetic disorders; (8) "Health care professional", a physician or other health care practitioner licensed, accredited, or certified by the state of Missouri to perform specified health services; (9) "Health care services", services for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or relief of a health condition, illness, injury, or disease; (10) "Hemophilia", a bleeding tendency resulting from a genetically determined deficiency factor in the blood; (11) "Outreach clinics", medical clinics which provide genetic diagnosis and counseling at sites away from the tertiary genetic centers; (12) "Program", the genetic program authorized by the provisions of sections 191.300 to 191.331, 191.340, and 191.365 to 191.380; (13) "Sickle cell anemia", a blood disease characterized by the presence of crescent shaped or sickle shaped erythrocytes in peripheral blood, excessive hemolysis, and active hematopoiesis, resulting from a genetic defect; (14) "Sickle cell trait", the healthy state wherein one carries the gene for sickle cell and could possibly pass that gene to his offspring; (15) "Tertiary genetic centers", permanent genetic divisions that provide comprehensive diagnostic treatment and counseling services. (L. 1985 H.B. 612, A.L. 2007 H.B. 948)