Bill > HB398

This bill modifies several provisions related to health care in Missouri, focusing on multiple areas. First, it expands expedited partner therapy regulations by broadening the definition of sexually transmitted infections that can be treated through this method, allowing more health care professionals (not just physicians) to prescribe medications for partners without a direct medical evaluation. The bill also introduces new requirements for prenatal blood testing, expanding the list of diseases to be tested during pregnancy, including HIV and hepatitis C, and mandating treatment protocols for positive results. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision requiring health benefit plans to provide coverage for up to a year's supply of self-administered hormonal contraceptives without additional deductibles or co-payments, starting January 1, 2026. The legislation further includes a provision allowing specialty hospitals to be exempt from certain regulations if they have a policy for transferring sexual assault victims to appropriate hospitals. These changes aim to improve access to sexual health treatments, expand preventive care testing, and ensure broader contraceptive coverage.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB398&year=2025&code=R