Mo. Rev. Stat. § 205.780
Said board shall have the exclusive power to make all suitable provisions for the relief, maintenance and support of all indigent persons within said county and within any city in said county who may appropriate for the support of said board, and to make suitable provisions for the care and maintenance to the sick dependents and those who are unable to support themselves; to enforce the laws of the state, the ordinances of such cities located within said county, in regard to the indigent, and to make such rules and regulations in the conduct of its business not inconsistent with the laws of the state of Missouri and the ordinances of such cities; to have exclusive control, care and management of all public hospitals owned or operated by said counties or said cities, except those for the care of the insane and those suffering with contagious, infectious and transmissible diseases; to recommend to the common council of said city the passage of such ordinances as said board may deem necessary for the welfare of the indigent of said city; to have the power to appoint competent physicians and surgeons, who shall hold their office at the pleasure of said board, at a salary to be fixed by said board, and said physicians and surgeons shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by said board, and shall render medical attendance to all those who may come within the provisions of this law; said board shall have the power and it shall be the duty of said board to employ and discharge all persons or officers in their judgment necessary to carry out the matters over which said board is given jurisdiction or control.
§ 205.780, RSMo