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 1879 requires Missouri health insurance plans to cover genetic counseling and genetic testing for cancer risk starting January 1, 2027. It applies to individuals assessed as high-risk for harmful gene mutations based on personal or family cancer history. The law mandates that coverage includes all associated costs with no deductibles, copays, or other cost-sharing, and prohibits insurers from using genetic test results to deny coverage, adjust premiums, or limit benefits. This policy directly affects Missourians seeking cancer risk assessment and their health insurers.
HB 2516, the "Family Mental Health Advocacy and Patient Rights Act," updates confidentiality rules for mental health facilities and expands access to patient records under specific circumstances. It directly affects mental health facilities, patients (both voluntary and involuntary), and authorized parties like parents, guardians, legal advocates, and specialized agencies. Key provisions require facilities to keep records confidential but allow disclosure to parents of minors, legal guardians, attorneys for certain cases, and agencies protecting rights for people with developmental disabilities or mental illness - only when necessary for care, safety, or legal compliance. The bill also establishes new patient rights, including dignity, clear treatment explanations, participation in care decisions, and rapid appeals for involuntary detention. These changes aim to balance privacy with necessary access for safety and advocacy while maintaining strict confidentiality requirements.
HB 2538 modifies Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) appeal procedures to give beneficiaries clearer rights when their benefits are denied, reduced, or terminated. It requires state divisions to notify recipients of appeal options within 10 days of proposed changes or 90 days for denials/closed cases, and ensures benefits continue during appeals unless the recipient requests otherwise. The bill mandates fair hearings where recipients can present evidence, and decisions must be based on facts existing at the time of the original benefit denial or change. This directly affects Missouri Medicaid recipients and state administrative divisions handling benefit determinations.
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.
HB 2355 would authorize Missouri's Department of Social Services to seek a federal waiver from Medicare and Medicaid to create a "Food is Medicine" program within MO HealthNet. This program would provide nutrition services - including counseling, meals, prescriptions, and grocery support - to MO HealthNet participants diagnosed with nutrition-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. The bill requires prioritizing community organizations and local farms for food purchases in nutrition prescriptions. It directly affects low-income Missourians enrolled in MO HealthNet who manage chronic health conditions linked to diet. The bill is currently in the Health and Mental Health committee for review.
HB 2287 expands prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in specific scenarios. It allows APRNs with a controlled substance prescriptive certificate to prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances and limited Schedule II (hydrocodone) medications for hospice patients or those under designated mental health providers, with prescriptions capped at a 120-hour supply without refill. The bill requires written collaborative agreements between APRNs and physicians, including patient disclosure statements about seeing an APRN instead of a physician. It prohibits APRNs from prescribing for themselves or family members and maintains existing restrictions on Schedule II prescribing for sedation or anesthesia.
