Bill > HB309

This bill, known as the "Patients First Act", requires the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance to ensure that group health plans and health insurance providers cannot discriminate against healthcare providers based on their type of licensure when it comes to plan participation and reimbursement. Specifically, the bill mandates that all healthcare providers must be reimbursed at the same rate for the same service, as long as the service falls within the provider's professional scope of practice. The legislation draws from Section 2706 of the federal Public Health Service Act, which prohibits discrimination against healthcare providers. The bill also authorizes the department to create rules and regulations to implement these protections, with the stipulation that such rules must comply with existing state legislative review processes. The provisions will take effect after August 28, 2025, and aim to ensure fair treatment and compensation for healthcare providers across different licensure types.

Business and Industry

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB309&year=2025&code=R