1. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:

(1) “Deficiency”, a program’s failure to meet a participation requirement or standard supported by evidence gathered from observation, interview, or record review;

(2) “IDR”, informal dispute resolution as provided for in this section;

(3) “Independent third party”, the federally designated Medicare Quality Improvement Organization in this state;

(4) “Plan of correction”, a program’s response to deficiencies which explains how corrective action will be accomplished, how the program will identify other participants who may be affected by the deficiency practice, what measures will be used or systemic changes made to ensure that the deficient practice will not reoccur, and how the program will monitor to ensure that solutions are sustained.

2. The department may contract with an independent third party to conduct informal dispute resolution (IDR) for programs licensed under sections 192.2205 to 192.2260. The IDR process, including conferences, shall constitute an informal administrative process and shall not be construed to be a formal evidentiary hearing. Use of IDR under this section shall not waive the program’s right to pursue further or additional legal actions.

3. The department shall establish an IDR process to determine whether a cited deficiency as evidenced by a statement of deficiencies against a program shall be upheld. The IDR process shall include the following minimum requirements:

(1) Within ten working days of the end of the inspection, the department shall transmit to the program a statement of deficiencies committed by the program. Notification of the availability of an IDR and IDR process shall be included in the transmittal;

(2) Within ten working days of receipt of the statement of deficiencies, the program shall return a plan of correction to the department. Within such ten-day period, the program may request in writing an IDR conference to refute the deficiencies cited in the statement of deficiencies;

(3) Within ten working days of receipt for an IDR conference made by an adult day care program, the department shall hold an IDR conference unless otherwise requested by the program. The IDR conference shall provide the program with an opportunity to provide additional information or clarification in support of the program’s contention that the deficiencies were erroneously cited. The program may be accompanied by counsel during the IDR conference. The type of IDR held shall be at the discretion of the program, but shall be limited to:

(a) A desk review of written information submitted by the program; or

(b) A telephonic conference; or

(c) A face-to-face conference.

4. Within ten calendar days of the IDR conference described in subsection 3 of this section, the department shall make a determination, based upon the facts and findings presented, and shall transmit the decision and rationale for the outcome in writing to the program.

5. If the original statement of deficiencies should be changed as a result of the IDR conference, the department shall transmit a revised statement of deficiencies to the program with the notification of the determination within ten calendar days of the decision to change the statement of deficiencies.

6. Within ten working days of receipt of the determination and the revised statement of deficiencies, the program shall submit a plan of correction to the department.

7. The department shall not post on its website any information about the deficiencies which are in dispute unless the dispute determination is made and the program has responded with a revised plan of correction, if needed.

8. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028. This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2014, shall be invalid and void.