HB 2612 requires insurance companies selling long-term care insurance in the state to submit premium rate proposals to the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) for prior approval before implementing them, effective August 28, 2026. Insurers cannot charge new or changed premiums without DCI's written approval, and DCI must act within 90 days (or the rate is automatically approved). DCI may disapprove rates if they are unreasonable, unfairly discriminatory, excessive, or based on unrealistic assumptions, providing written reasons for rejection. The bill also mandates public hearings or comment periods for rate filings and gives DCI authority to later revise approved rates.
SB 1143 requires new long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and expansions of existing facilities to obtain a "certificate of need" from Missouri's health committee before opening or making major changes. This affects developers, healthcare providers, and facilities seeking to add beds or services. Key provisions include: no state funding or licensing without approval, a $1,000 application fee (or 0.1% of project cost), and exemptions for state-operated facilities, research equipment, and transfers of existing facilities. The bill aims to ensure new healthcare projects meet community needs and avoid unnecessary costs, while allowing flexibility for state facilities and medical research.
HB 1637 repeals multiple existing sections of Missouri law related to healthcare facility licensing and reimbursement, replacing them with four new sections (197.705, 198.530, 208.169, and 208.225). The bill directly affects hospitals, long-term care facilities, and managed care organizations by establishing new requirements for staff identification badges, reimbursement rates for services provided to facility residents, and facility licensing standards. Key provisions include mandating that healthcare personnel wear badges displaying licensure status, requiring managed care organizations to reimburse facilities for covered services at Medicare rates, and setting specific formulas for calculating facility reimbursement. This legislation modifies existing healthcare regulatory frameworks but does not address "certificates of need" as suggested by its title.
SB 910 requires long-term care facilities to maintain either $1 million in liability insurance or a segregated $1 million reserve account to cover resident abuse, neglect, or wrongful death claims. It mandates the state health department to post facility survey results, deficiencies, and a visible "abuse icon" for facilities with verified abuse findings (displayed for 36 months). The bill also requires investigations of resident harm complaints within 30 days and updates license revocation rules for facilities failing to meet safety standards or having felony convictions related to care. These provisions directly affect all Missouri-licensed long-term care facilities and their residents.
HB 2629 requires long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) to maintain either $1 million in liability insurance or a separate reserve fund to cover abuse/neglect claims against residents. It also mandates that state health departments post verified abuse/neglect findings on their websites with a standardized icon for 36 months, including details like incident dates and sources. The bill adds a 30-day timeline for investigating resident abuse complaints and requires facilities to share investigation results with complainants and the public (while protecting resident privacy). These provisions directly affect facility operators and state agencies, aiming to increase accountability and transparency without changing existing abuse investigation standards.
HB 2275 requires Missouri health care facilities (hospitals, long-term care facilities, and hospices) to allow at least two compassionate care visitors simultaneously for patients or residents during at least six hours of daily visiting hours, including weekends and holidays. It mandates 24-hour visitation access when appropriate, permits visitors to leave and return during visitation periods, and ensures parents/guardians can be present with minor children. The law adds penalties for facilities that violate these visitation requirements. It applies directly to health care facilities and patients/residents seeking compassionate care support.
HB 1638 increases the Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force from 21 to 22 members, adding two representatives from voluntary health organizations and one from Missouri veterans' homes. The bill specifies the task force's composition, including members with lived experience (early-stage Alzheimer's patients and family caregivers), healthcare professionals, and representatives from long-term care sectors. The task force must assess state programs, update Missouri's integrated Alzheimer's plan, address health disparities, and coordinate with federal efforts, delivering initial and annual reports to the governor and legislature. It requires the task force to operate until December 31, 2033, with specific term lengths for members appointed after 2026. This bill modifies the task force's structure and reporting obligations to improve coordination and response to Alzheimer's disease in Missouri.
HB 2413 modifies regulations for assisted living facilities and residential care facilities. It allows facilities licensed as "Residential Care Facility II" as of 2006 to transition to "Assisted Living Facility" status without immediate compliance with new standards, but they must meet full requirements when Medicaid reimbursement for residents reaches $41 per day. The bill requires facilities to create individualized care plans, maintain 24-hour staffing, develop disaster evacuation plans, and prohibit admission of residents needing skilled nursing care, physical or chemical restraints, or who cannot safely evacuate without significant assistance. Facilities must also disclose services, costs, and discharge conditions to prospective residents and conduct medical screenings upon admission. These changes directly affect assisted living facilities and their residents, particularly those with disabilities requiring specialized care.
SB 1024 limits initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a seven-day supply, requiring doctors to discuss risks and non-opioid alternatives with patients before prescribing. It sets supply limits (30 days for stronger opioids, 90 days for others) and protects pharmacists who follow these rules. The bill applies to most patients but excludes those receiving cancer treatment, hospice care, long-term facility care, or substance abuse treatment. Key provisions aim to reduce opioid overprescribing while ensuring access for specific medical needs.
