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“DHSS is not authorized to provide legal advice to third parties.”

What doesn’t appear to be in dispute, according to the lawsuit, is that Randall Williams, director of DHSS, conducted state business on his personal cellphone.

Dozens of other types of residential care facilities have also been affected, according to DHSS.

At least 332 Missouri residential-care facilities - which includes not just nursing homes but any residential facility providing long-term care - have met the requirements to allow outdoor visits, said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for DHSS.

“Through our many types of regulatory efforts, we remain watchful for any wrongdoing in order to protect Missourians,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS.