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.
HB 2236 establishes Missouri's "Infertility Access Program" through the Department of Health and Senior Services to improve fertility treatment access. The program provides travel assistance, lodging stipends, or telehealth subsidies for individuals in rural or medically underserved areas seeking care at certified fertility clinics. It also creates an "Infertility Access Fund" for program administration, requires health carriers to publish clear fertility coverage summaries, and mandates annual reports on treatment utilization, geographic barriers, and demographic data. The bill directly affects patients in underserved regions, certified fertility clinics, and health insurance providers offering fertility coverage.
HB 1774 creates a Missouri state income tax credit for individuals who donate to qualifying local hospital foundations. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 50% of their donation amount (capped at $2,500 annually per taxpayer), provided the foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial relief for unpaid hospital bills in the donor’s area. The credit is non-refundable, cannot exceed total state income tax liability, and has a $2 million annual cap across all taxpayers. This policy directly affects Missouri residents who pay state income tax and make qualifying donations to hospital foundations, aiming to incentivize charitable support for community healthcare access.
HB 2489 requires state-funded organizations providing pregnancy-related services (like family planning, abortion care, prenatal care, or adoption counseling) to share medically accurate and unbiased information about all reproductive health options - including birth control, pregnancy, adoption, and postpartum care. To qualify for state funding, these organizations must provide information verified by medical research, recognized by major health bodies (such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or CDC), or aligned with national medical guidelines. The bill defines "medically accurate" through three specific criteria to ensure information is evidence-based and objective. This applies directly to clinics and providers seeking state financial support for pregnancy-related services. The bill is currently pending in committee (prefiled December 2025, read twice January 2026).
SB 1479 allows state health agencies to adopt existing Medicaid regulations by simply referencing them in new rules, rather than rewriting the full text. This directly affects agencies that create Medicaid-related rules, such as the Department of Health, by streamlining their rulemaking process. The key mechanism is "incorporating by reference," meaning agencies can cite approved Medicaid rules from other sources instead of duplicating them. This reduces administrative burden and ensures consistency with established Medicaid standards. The bill does not change Medicaid benefits or eligibility, only the process for agencies to update their rules.
SB 929 requires health insurance plans to cover self-administered hormonal contraceptives (such as pills, patches, or rings) without cost-sharing, meaning no copays or deductibles. This directly affects individuals who use these contraceptives and their insurance providers. The key provision mandates that insurers include these specific methods in their coverage, aligning with broader contraceptive access standards. The bill focuses on eliminating financial barriers to commonly used, non-prescription-dependent birth control options.
HB 1875 requires health care providers in Missouri to notify patients before providing nonemergency care if they are out-of-network for the patient's health insurance plan. Before such care, providers must check the patient's insurance coverage and their own network status, and if out-of-network, they must inform the patient or the person consenting for the patient. This notification must occur prior to treatment and complements existing federal protections like the No Surprises Act. The bill directly affects health care providers and patients receiving nonemergency care in Missouri.
