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.
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.
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.
HB 2231 requires facilities advertising dual diagnosis treatment (addressing both substance use disorders and mental health conditions) to meet specific operational standards. It mandates medication management systems for tracking prescriptions, regular patient reviews, and education; requires integrated, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to individual patients; and prohibits misleading advertising claims about services or licensure. Facilities must clearly disclose their credentials in all marketing materials. The Department of Mental Health enforces these rules, with violations subject to penalties under existing licensing laws. This bill directly affects all treatment centers in the state that market themselves as providing dual diagnosis care.
HB 2557 requires hospitals with emergency departments to have a physician physically present and on duty at all times when the emergency department is open. This bill directly affects hospitals operating emergency services by mandating continuous on-site physician coverage. The key provision specifies that a physician must be responsible for the emergency department during all operational hours, without exceptions. This policy change aims to establish consistent staffing standards for emergency care, though it does not address other hospital resources or patient outcomes.
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.
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.
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.
HB 2137 modifies Missouri's rules for dental hygienists, primarily requiring them to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist in most settings. The bill creates two key exceptions: (1) hygienists can provide basic services like oral screenings and fluoride varnish in any location without a dentist's supervision, and (2) experienced hygienists (with 3+ years in public health) can perform cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments for Medicaid-eligible children without supervision, with Medicaid reimbursing providers. This directly affects dental hygienists, dentists, public health facilities, and Medicaid-eligible children. The changes aim to expand access to preventive dental care in community settings while maintaining oversight for more complex procedures.
HB 1636 modifies rules for collaborative practice between physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It allows APRNs to prescribe certain controlled substances (including Schedule III-V drugs and hydrocodone) under written agreements, with a 120-hour supply limit for most prescriptions. The law requires clear patient disclosure about seeing an APRN, specifies physician review of APRN care, and adds flexibility for rural areas and telehealth regarding geographic proximity requirements between physicians and APRNs. This directly affects APRNs, their patients, and collaborating physicians by expanding prescribing authority while maintaining oversight safeguards.
