SB 1703 - This act establishes the "Student Screen-Time Standards Act" and requires each school district and charter school to adopt a written policy governing screen time and the use of instructional technology for students in kindergarten through grade five. The policy shall be designed to promote students' educational interests, prevent harmful effects of excessive screen time on child development, ensure that technology supports rather than supplants foundational learning, and restore evidence-based practices. The act outlines required components of the policy, including limits on student screen time, restrictions on the use of school-issued devices, and limits on student access to internet-connected instructional technology, including laptops, tablets, software platforms, and other similar devices. The policy shall identify approved digital platforms, establish standards for student use of hands-on physical learning tools and traditional materials, outline procedures by which parents may obtain information regarding their child's screen time and technology use and limit such use, and describe the research and evidence upon which the policy is based. In developing the policy, each school district or charter school shall consider and document research on best practices in literacy instruction, instructional technology, assessment, and the role of handwriting and cursive writing in promoting literacy. Each elementary school shall notify parents and guardians annually of the adopted policy, provide parents available information regarding their child's login time and technology use upon request, and publish the policy on the school's website. Each policy shall be periodically updated and shall incorporate recommendations from a model school board policy to be developed by the "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens (FOCUS) Council" established in the act. The policy shall be implemented before the end of the 2027–28 school year and shall apply in all subsequent school years. The Literacy Advisory Council established under current law shall provide advice regarding instruction and assessment of cursive writing and reading, and shall develop recommendations for a related model policy on cursive. The Commissioner of Education shall establish a "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens (FOCUS) Council" composed of the Commissioner as chair, with appointed members representing school boards and charter schools; elementary school principals who have completed state leadership training; teachers with expertise in reading, mathematics, and special education; parental and disability advocacy organizations; faculty from approved teacher preparation programs; a licensed pediatric mental health professional or board-certified behavior analyst; and a medical professional with expertise in child health and development. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide staff and resources for the council. The council shall conduct a comprehensive survey and analysis of screen time and instructional technology use in public schools, and shall provide guidance on best practices and policies, as provided in the act. By July 1, 2027, the council shall submit a report containing the council's recommendations and a model school board policy on screen time and instructional technology use to the State Board of Education, the Governor, and the Joint Committee on Education. The report shall be updated at least every two years. This act is similar to SCS/HCS/HBs 2230 & 2978 (2026) and to provisions in HCS/SB 1351 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON
SB 1519 - This act establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact ("Compact"), which allows for the interstate practice of respiratory therapy. The Compact sets forth the requirements to be met in order for a state to join and maintain membership in the Compact. Additionally, the Compact provides the requirements for a respiratory therapist to obtain and exercise the ability to practice in the remote participating states. The compact privilege of a licensee shall be valid until the expiration or revocation of the home state license. The Compact further provides that a respiratory therapist with compact privilege shall function within the scope of practice of the remote participating state. Respiratory therapists shall also be subject to that remote state's regulatory authority, which has the authority to impose adverse action on licenses issued by that state. A member state may also participate with other member states in joint investigations of a licensee. Participating states shall report licensure data along with any adverse action and significant investigative information to the data system established in the Compact. Additionally, the Compact creates the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission ("Commission"), which is a joint government agency of member states with the power to administer and implement the Compact. Each participating state shall be entitled to one commissioner, who shall be selected by the state's licensing authority for respiratory therapists and shall be an administrator or staff member of such authority. The Commission shall meet at least once a year. Additionally, there shall be an Executive Committee, composed of nine members, to act on behalf of the Commission, including on day-to-day activities related to the administration of the Compact. The Commission may levy and collect an annual assessment from each member state and impose fees on licensees to whom it grants compact privileges to cover the costs of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff. Member states and commissioners, officers, executive directors, employees, and agents of the Commission shall be immune from liability, both personally and in their official capacity, for any claim for damages arising out of any acts or omissions that occurred within the scope of the Commission's employment, duties, or responsibilities, except for those damages caused by intentional or willful or wanton misconduct. The procurement of insurance by the Commission shall not limit such immunity. For any actions by or against the Commission, venue is proper in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. Furthermore, the Compact shall come into effect on the date in which the seventh state enacts the Compact into law. Any participating state may withdraw from the Compact by repealing the Compact, but such withdrawal shall not take effect until 180 days after the enactment of the repeal. If a state defaults in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under the Compact or its rules, the Commission, after notifying state officials and upon a majority vote of the Commission, may terminate membership of the defaulting state. Finally, the Compact shall be binding upon participating states and shall supersede any conflict with state law. KATIE O'BRIEN
HB 3499 expands pharmacists' scope of practice by allowing them to provide medication therapy services for influenza, group A strep, and COVID-19 under statewide orders from health authorities. It also permits pharmacists to prescribe certain medical devices (like home health equipment classified by the FDA as Class I or II) that meet specific criteria for medical use at home. The bill requires the state pharmacy board and healing arts board to jointly create implementing rules within six months. This directly affects pharmacists, enabling them to offer these additional services and prescriptions without direct physician oversight for these specific conditions and devices.
HB 3484 updates laws governing the unauthorized practice of medicine by clarifying the definition of "surgery" to include specific procedures like tissue alterations and certain injections (excluding standard nurse-administered injections). It allows out-of-state physicians to consult with patients via telemedicine when working under a licensed local physician who retains final responsibility for care. The bill also permits licensed out-of-state doctors to provide sports-related medical services to athletes and team staff during travel or events without a local license, but prohibits such services at hospitals or clinics. This directly affects healthcare providers, telemedicine services, and sports teams traveling to the state. The bill is in early stages (introduced February 2026) and does not alter standard medical practice requirements within the state.
SB 1691 streamlines licensure for healthcare professionals in Missouri who hold valid licenses in other states or jurisdictions, allowing them to practice telehealth services without retaking exams or meeting additional experience requirements. It directly affects healthcare workers licensed elsewhere (including military or law enforcement spouses moving to Missouri) who have held a valid license for at least one year in their previous jurisdiction. Key provisions require Missouri licensing boards to waive exams and experience requirements for eligible applicants within six months (or 30 days for military/law enforcement spouses), while maintaining standards like background checks and fees. The bill does not apply to business licenses, interstate compacts, or cases where an applicant’s license is under disciplinary action.
SB 1719 requires healthcare facilities (including hospitals, clinics, and behavioral health centers) to create workplace violence prevention committees and implement written plans to protect staff. These plans must include confidential reporting systems, anti-retaliation protections for employees who report violence, and annual training. The bill also expands prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), allowing them to prescribe controlled substances in Schedules III, IV, and V under specific conditions. It prohibits facilities from discouraging staff from reporting violence to law enforcement and protects those who report in good faith from retaliation.
HB 3217 establishes detailed rules for collaborative practice arrangements between physicians and assistant physicians. It requires written agreements covering specific details like contact information, locations for prescribing, mandatory patient disclosures about seeing an assistant physician, and geographic proximity requirements (with limited rural clinic exceptions). The bill mandates regular chart reviews (10% of all cases, 20% for controlled substances every two weeks) and limits physicians to collaborating with no more than ten full-time equivalent assistant physicians or other providers. These provisions aim to standardize supervision, ensure patient safety, and clarify responsibilities for both providers.
House Joint Resolution 187 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would allow certain advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, to practice independently without a collaborative agreement with a physician after completing 2,000 documented hours of experience. The amendment prohibits geographic restrictions in collaborative agreements and limits physicians to collaborating with no more than ten APRNs. It also changes how physician residency programs are approved, permitting state accreditation without requiring national accreditation, especially for specialties with documented workforce shortages. This amendment, if approved by voters, would directly affect APRNs, physicians, and healthcare provider training in Missouri.
HB 1981 modifies Missouri law to allow certain nurses to prescribe controlled substances under specific conditions. It permits advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with a special certificate to prescribe Schedule III-V drugs and limited Schedule II drugs (only hydrocodone for hospice patients), with a 120-hour supply limit and a ban on self-prescribing. Certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) can administer controlled substances during anesthesia care without needing a prescriptive certificate. The bill requires written agreements between physicians and nurses to delegate prescribing authority and updates rules for handling unused medications.
HB 3040 would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), excluding nurse anesthetists, to prescribe certain controlled substances under specific conditions. It permits APRNs with a special certification to prescribe Schedule III-V drugs and limited Schedule II medications (like hydrocodone for hospice or behavioral health patients) through collaborative agreements with physicians. The bill requires written agreements, restricts prescriptions to 120-hour supplies without refills for some drugs, and prohibits APRNs from prescribing for themselves or family. The bill was introduced and withdrawn on January 21, 2026, with no further legislative action.
