COLUMBIA, Mo. – R. Bowen Loftin, the Chancellor at the University of Missouri, responded Tuesday to Sen. Kurt Schaefer’s, R- Columbia, request for a written agreement between the University and Planned Parenthood, stating that there was not such an agreement.
“MU Health Care does not have an agreement with Dr. [Colleen] McNicholas, Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri or Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri that guarantees transfer and admittance of patients for emergency treatment whenever necessary,” Loftin wrote.
However, Loftin did note that Dr. McNicholas had limited “refer and follow” privileges with MU Health Care and its affiliated facilities. Those privileges do not include the ability to perform procedures or admit patients.
“The granting of such privileges to Dr. McNicholas will not require public funds to be used to perform or assist in abortions,” Loftin wrote.
The revelations in this letter raise multiple questions as they relate to 197.215 RSMo. which states the physician performing surgical procedures at an ambulatory surgical center must be licensed to perform procedures at a nearby hospital or the provider must have an agreement with that nearby hospital.
