Bill > HB2071

This bill modifies the existing law regarding joint underwriting associations (JUAs) for medical malpractice liability insurance in Missouri. The bill allows the board of directors of a JUA to suspend its operations if medical malpractice insurance is reasonably available in the voluntary market and the association has two or fewer individual physicians insured annually for at least two consecutive years. "Reasonably available" is defined as medical malpractice insurance products being offered by insurance carriers in the ordinary course of business. The suspension process must follow the association's plan of operation and include provisions for administering association funds until the state director either resumes or terminates operations. During the suspension period, the association cannot collect dues or fees from its members unless specifically authorized. The bill maintains the original provisions about creating a JUA when medical malpractice insurance is not readily available, including details about membership, insurance coverage limits, board composition, and operational guidelines. The key change is providing a clear mechanism for temporarily suspending the JUA when the insurance market conditions improve.

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https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2071&year=2026&code=R