Missouri's Republican-led House has defeated legislation that would have charged a panel of medical professionals with developing streamlined standards for newborn care.
The House voted 80-72 in opposition to the legislation Thursday. The vote comes one day after the proposal was successfully amended onto a Senate bill being considered by the House.
Opponents called the bill a government intrusion into health care that would compromise patient care. Supporters say the measure would have reduced infant mortality.
Under the legislation, an advisory council appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation would have created guidelines for hospitals to follow. The standards would have addressed staffing, transportation, reporting and care for high-risk patients.