HB 3298 establishes a new pathway for Missouri to accredit medical residency programs, allowing hospitals and health systems to sponsor state-accredited programs instead of requiring national accreditation (like ACGME). It directly affects residency programs, physicians completing training, and hospitals seeking to expand physician staffing. Key provisions include allowing shorter training durations for specialties with workforce shortages (e.g., family medicine), requiring programs to meet specific competency standards, and prohibiting hospitals or licensing boards from denying privileges or licenses based on whether a physician completed a nationally or state-accredited program. During a pilot period ending in 2029, the state board may limit approvals based on geographic need or specialty shortages to address access gaps. The bill ensures state-accredited programs must still meet rigorous training and supervision requirements equivalent to national standards.
House Joint Resolution 187 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would allow certain advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, to practice independently without a collaborative agreement with a physician after completing 2,000 documented hours of experience. The amendment prohibits geographic restrictions in collaborative agreements and limits physicians to collaborating with no more than ten APRNs. It also changes how physician residency programs are approved, permitting state accreditation without requiring national accreditation, especially for specialties with documented workforce shortages. This amendment, if approved by voters, would directly affect APRNs, physicians, and healthcare provider training in Missouri.
HB 2957 updates licensing rules for respiratory care practitioners. It creates a 12-month conditional license for applicants pending background checks, requires active National Board for Respiratory Care credentials for license renewal, and mandates random audits to verify these credentials. Licensees can opt for inactive status instead of completing continuing education, but practicing without an active license is prohibited. The bill directly affects current and prospective respiratory therapists seeking to maintain or obtain licensure in the state.
HB 1961 creates new provisions to simplify dietitian licensure in Missouri for certain individuals. It allows dietitians licensed in another state (or military branch) with at least one year of experience to apply for a Missouri license without retaking exams or meeting additional education requirements. The bill specifically waives all license requirements for military spouses (both nonresident and resident) who apply for licensure in Missouri, provided they meet other basic criteria. This directly affects military-connected dietitians relocating to Missouri and out-of-state dietitians seeking licensure in Missouri.
HB 1844 creates the "Athletic Trainer Compact" to allow licensed athletic trainers to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects licensed athletic trainers seeking interstate mobility and patients who gain easier access to these professionals. The key mechanism is mutual recognition of licenses between member states, reducing administrative burdens while preserving each state's regulatory authority over scope of practice. The compact also supports telehealth access, shares disciplinary information, and includes provisions for military members and their families.
SB 988 would create the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact, an agreement between participating states. This compact would allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. It directly affects dental professionals seeking to work across state lines and patients in states participating in the compact. The key mechanism is establishing a standardized licensing framework that recognizes credentials across member states.
SB 1308 revises Missouri's licensing requirements for professional counselors, primarily easing barriers for military spouses and out-of-state professionals. Military spouses (both nonresident and resident) can now obtain a Missouri license without completing standard education, experience, or examination requirements if they meet basic criteria like age and citizenship. The bill also establishes reciprocity for applicants licensed in another state for at least one year, allowing Missouri to waive local requirements if the applicant met equivalent standards in their home state. This change maintains safeguards, such as requiring a license in good standing elsewhere and no disqualifying criminal history, while streamlining licensure for military families and relocating professionals.
SB 1533 would create a compact allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each. It establishes mutual recognition of licenses between states that join the compact, eliminating the need for duplicate exams or paperwork when moving between member states. This directly affects dental professionals seeking to work in multiple states, streamlining their ability to practice. The bill is currently in committee review after its first reading in January 2026.
HB 2757 expands pharmacists' scope of practice in Missouri by allowing licensed pharmacists with special certification to develop medication therapy management plans under written protocols from physicians. It permits pharmacists to administer certain vaccines (excluding cholera, monkeypox, and others) and provide HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, all while requiring adherence to CDC guidelines and physician protocols. This directly affects pharmacists (who must complete additional training), physicians collaborating with them, and patients receiving these expanded services. The bill explicitly prohibits pharmacists from independently diagnosing or prescribing, except for emergency insulin supplies under existing law. It also establishes joint rules for vaccine administration and medication therapy protocols between pharmacy and medical boards.
SB 1492 establishes a Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, creating a framework for states to recognize each other's physician assistant (PA) licenses. This allows PAs licensed in one participating state to practice in other compact states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill directly affects physician assistants seeking to work across state lines and sets up the administrative structure for the compact. It does not change current licensing requirements within a single state but enables easier interstate practice through mutual recognition. The bill is currently in the early committee review stage.
