192.2510.  Animal abuse and neglect training required — training materials — definitions — expiration date. — 1.  No later than December 31, 2027, all persons providing protective services to eligible adults, as the terms "protective services" and "eligible adults" are defined in section 192.2400, and who have direct contact with such adults shall be required to complete at least one and one-half hour of training as described in this subsection.  Any person beginning employment after December 31, 2027, who provides protective services to eligible adults and who has direct contact with such adults shall complete such training within sixty days of beginning employment.  The training shall include the following:

  (1)  Requirements to report animal abuse or neglect and the penalties associated with failure to report under section 273.410;

  (2)  How to identify animal abuse or neglect;

  (3)  How to make a report of animal abuse or neglect; and

  (4)  The relationship between eligible adult abuse or neglect and animal abuse or neglect.

  2.  By December 31, 2026, the department of health and senior services and the department of agriculture, in consultation with the Missouri Animal Control Association, or a successor entity, shall develop or adapt and use available training materials for the training required under this section.

  3.  Persons required to complete training under this section shall be provided with opportunities to do so during regular working hours.  The training may qualify as part of any continuing education requirements otherwise required for such person as a condition of licensure or employment.

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

  (1)  "Animal", dogs, cats, rabbits, and domesticated birds;

  (2)  "Successor entity", any entity designated as such jointly by the department of health and senior services and the children's division.

  5.  The provisions of this section shall expire on December 31, 2030.