Healthcare (Healthcare Workforce) in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1989: Modifies provisions relating to advanced practice registered nurses

HB 1989 modifies Missouri law to expand prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It allows APRNs with a certificate from the Missouri Board of Nursing to prescribe medications in Schedules III, IV, and V of controlled substances, and limited Schedule II drugs (like hydrocodone for hospice patients) in 120-hour supplies without refills. APRNs must either work under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician or qualify for an exemption from that requirement. This directly affects APRNs providing patient care in Missouri, particularly in settings where they previously faced restrictions on prescribing these medications.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

passed · Missouri · House May 7, 2026

HB 1717: Modifies provisions relating to alternative therapies and treatments, including psilocybin

HB 1717 would allow veterans aged 21+ with PTSD, major depression, substance use disorders, or end-of-life care needs to legally use psilocybin for therapeutic purposes under strict conditions. To qualify, veterans must enroll in a research study, provide physician documentation of their condition, identify a trained facilitator (a licensed mental health professional meeting specific criteria), and have psilocybin tested by a state-licensed lab. The bill prohibits state/local penalties for compliant use, requires a 150mg annual limit, and shields healthcare providers from professional discipline for participating. It also mandates a $2 million state grant for psilocybin research and annual reports on the program’s implementation. This bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health Veteran Mental Health

in committee · Missouri · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 1247: Provides that certified registered nurse anesthetists may select, issue orders for, and administer certain controlled substances

SB 1247 would allow certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to select, issue orders for, and administer certain controlled substances during patient care. This directly affects CRNAs and their patients by expanding their scope of practice to include these specific medication-related actions without requiring physician oversight. The bill authorizes CRNAs to handle controlled substances like opioids or sedatives within their clinical responsibilities, as specified in the bill's language. This represents a concrete policy change to their professional authority, aligning their practice with current clinical standards.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HJR 103: Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to the advertising and promotion of marijuana sales

HJR 103 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a regular bill) that would replace sections of Missouri's Constitution regarding medical marijuana. It aims to permit state-licensed physicians and nurse practitioners to recommend marijuana for medical use to patients with serious illnesses, while clarifying patients' rights to discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers. The amendment defines key terms like "administer" (including methods such as edibles, vaporization, or topical applications) and specifies that it does not change laws governing non-medical marijuana use or public consumption. The proposal explicitly states it is limited to protecting medical patients, caregivers, and providers from penalties, not altering existing rules for recreational use. (Note: The bill title mentions "advertising and promotion," but the actual text focuses solely on medical recommendations and definitions, not advertising rules.)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1339: Establishes provisions relating to dietitians, including reciprocity, nonrenewable temporary licenses, and the Dietitian Licensure Compact

SB 1339 creates a multistate agreement (the Dietitian Licensure Compact) allowing dietitians licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without needing to reapply for a new license. It also establishes rules for nonrenewable temporary licenses, which would permit dietitians to work temporarily in a state without full licensure while pursuing permanent credentials. The bill directly affects dietitians seeking to practice across state lines, particularly those relocating for work or needing short-term authorization. Key provisions include standardized license recognition between participating states and clear guidelines for temporary permits. This aims to reduce barriers for dietitians moving between states while maintaining licensing standards.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Tags Licensing

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2159: Creates provisions relating to licensure of naturopathic doctors

HB 2159 establishes a licensing system for naturopathic doctors in Missouri by creating the "Board of Naturopathic Medicine" within the Division of Professional Registration. The bill defines naturopathic medicine as a system using natural therapies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and specifies that licensed practitioners can perform common diagnostic procedures (like physical exams and lab tests) and minor office procedures (such as injections and allergy testing), but cannot conduct surgery or use general anesthesia. To practice, naturopathic doctors must complete an approved education program and pass a national professional examination. This bill directly affects naturopathic doctors seeking licensure in Missouri and sets clear boundaries for their scope of practice.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2242: Provides a state supplement for public schools to hire a school nurse and a mental health professional

HB 2242 provides state funding to help public school districts hire licensed school nurses and mental health professionals. School districts can apply for a state supplement covering up to the full salary (including experience) for one nurse or mental health professional per school, with preference given to schools with the greatest need - based on factors like student health ratios, free/reduced lunch eligibility, and Title I funding. Districts may also use the funds to reimburse telehealth services for remote access to these professionals, subject to parental consent. The bill creates dedicated state funds for these supplements, ensuring unspent money doesn’t revert to general revenue and must be used solely for this purpose.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Revenue School Funding Student Health Healthcare Workforce Mental Health Telehealth

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1635: Modifies provisions relating to advanced practice registered nurses

HB 1635 expands prescribing authority for certified advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Missouri. It allows APRNs with a special certificate to prescribe controlled substances in Schedules III, IV, and V, and certain Schedule II drugs (like hydrocodone) for hospice patients, under specific conditions. Key provisions include requiring collaborative practice agreements with physicians, limiting Schedule II/hydrocodone prescriptions to 120-hour supplies without refills, and prohibiting APRNs from prescribing for themselves or family members. The law directly affects APRNs and their physician collaborators, aiming to clarify and expand their scope of practice while maintaining safety safeguards.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

in committee · Missouri · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 979: Modifies provisions relating to advanced practice registered nurses

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Mental Health

in committee · Missouri · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 2318: Creates provisions relating to artificial intelligence in mental health

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health Artificial Intelligence

All healthcare bills