HB 2464 establishes the "Missouri Terminally Ill Patient Dignity and Care Act," requiring hospitals to provide specific care standards for patients certified by a physician as terminally ill (expected to die within six months). Key provisions mandate timely pain management, a 30-minute response time to patient requests for assistance (unless clinically justified), documented care protocols, and access to a terminal care ombudsman to address complaints. Hospitals must track response times, investigate neglect complaints, and report annually to the Department of Health, with penalties including civil fines up to $5,000 per violation or license suspension for noncompliance. The law directly affects terminally ill patients in Missouri hospitals and takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 2294, the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act," requires healthcare providers at abortion facilities to provide immediate medical care and hospital transfer to any infant born alive during or after an abortion or attempted abortion. The bill mandates providers to exercise the same professional care for such infants as they would for any newborn, and failure to report violations could result in criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine). It also establishes civil liability for causing death or failing to follow care protocols, allowing victims’ families to pursue lawsuits for injuries or wrongful death. The law directly affects healthcare providers at abortion facilities, patients who undergo abortions, and families of infants born alive during abortion procedures.
SB 979 expands prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Missouri under specific conditions. It allows certified APRNs (excluding nurse anesthetists) to prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances and limited Schedule II medications (like hydrocodone, hospice medications, and behavioral health stimulants) through written agreements with collaborating physicians. The bill restricts APRN prescriptions for Schedule II drugs to a 120-hour supply without refill, prohibits self-prescribing, and requires clear patient disclosures about care coordination with a physician. These changes aim to clarify APRN scope of practice while maintaining physician oversight for controlled substances.
SB 1112 would remove sales tax on breast pump supplies, including items like bottles, shields, and storage containers. This exemption directly affects new mothers, caregivers, and families purchasing these essential products. The bill’s key provision is a specific tax exemption for these medical supplies, making them more affordable. Currently pending in the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, it has not yet been enacted.
HB 2184 prohibits noncompete clauses in employment contracts between healthcare employers and licensed physicians, making any clause that restricts a physician’s ability to practice medicine in a specific geographic area after leaving a job unenforceable. This directly affects physicians who might otherwise face restrictions on where they can work following employment termination. The bill specifically bans these geographic and time-based restrictions while leaving other contract terms valid. It does not alter other employment terms but ensures physicians cannot be barred from practicing in a region after their employment ends.
HB 1850 updates Missouri's pharmacy auditing rules to protect pharmacies from unfair practices. It requires auditors (like insurance companies or pharmacy benefits managers) to give pharmacies 14 days' notice before on-site audits, involve licensed pharmacists for clinical reviews, and treat simple record-keeping mistakes as non-fraudulent. The bill allows pharmacies to correct minor errors within 30 days instead of facing penalties, and permits electronic prescriptions and digital records as valid proof. These changes directly affect Missouri-licensed pharmacies and the entities that audit their billing practices.
HB 2318 prohibits any developer or deployer of artificial intelligence in Missouri from advertising or representing that their AI system acts as a mental health professional or provides therapy services. The bill defines artificial intelligence broadly to include systems that learn from data or mimic human cognition, while clarifying that only licensed mental health professionals may offer such services. Violations are treated as consumer protection law violations under Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act, with the Attorney General enforcing the law and imposing civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for repeat violations. Individuals may report suspected violations to the Attorney General, who can pursue civil actions for damages, fines, or court-ordered remedies.
SB 1445 would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to independently select, issue orders for, and administer certain controlled substances without requiring a physician's order. This change directly affects CRNAs by expanding their scope of practice in anesthesia care, particularly for pain management and surgical procedures involving these medications. The bill does not specify which controlled substances are included but would remove current barriers for CRNAs to manage them within their professional role. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having been prefaced in 2025 and scheduled for its first reading in 2026.
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.
SB 1489 would allow consumers to purchase ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets directly from pharmacies without needing a doctor's prescription. This bill directly affects individuals seeking these specific medications for personal use. The key provision removes the current requirement for a prescription for these two drugs when sold in tablet form. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having been prefilled and read for the first time.
