SPONSOR: Murphy
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Economic Development by a vote of 11 to 3. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules-Administrative by a vote of 6 to 2.
This bill specifies that the General Assembly preempts any political subdivision from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing any order, ordinance, rule, regulation, policy, or other similar measure that prohibits, restricts, limits, regulates, controls, directs, or interferes with the practice of professionals regulated under Chapters 331, 332, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, and 340, RSMo, which includes chiropractors, dentists, physicians, physician assistants, surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologist assistants, licensed therapists, respiratory care therapists, athletic trainers, optometrists, psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, pharmacists, and veterinarians.
This bill is the same as HCS HB 1509 (2024)and is similar to HCS HB 801 (2023).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the local level should not mess with medical standards, prevent the prescription of drugs as they did during COVID, or restrict procedures. Supporters say State boards should regulate these aspects' functions. Supporters say this bill leaves the scope of practice and functions to the state, the practitioners, and the Boards.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Murphy and Missouri Podiatric Medical Association
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that this bill includes vets, which is problematic because vets have little to no oversight unlike medical doctors. Those who oppose the bill also say the Veterinarian Medical Board that would provide oversight is insulated and does not discipline bad actors. Opponents state local control is being taken away and puts the State in control over licensed medical subject matter.
Testifying in person against the bill were City of Springfield; Missouri Alliance For Animal Legislation; Humane Society of the United States; and Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund.
OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say, in St. Louis, the discussed functions are county functions and not municipality functions for regulating the named professions. Others testifying on the bill state that the bill has good intentions and sets policies. Vets across the State practice just like doctors.
Testifying in person on the bill were St Louis Municipal League; and Missouri Veterinary Medical Association.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: