Bill > HB1965

This bill modifies existing Missouri state law to include athletic trainers in two key sections related to health insurance and provider networks. Specifically, the bill adds athletic trainers to the definition of "provider" in section 376.427, which governs how insurance claims are processed and paid, allowing athletic trainers to receive direct insurance payments for their healthcare services. In section 376.1575, the bill expands the definition of "practitioner" to explicitly include athletic trainers, which means they will be eligible for credentialing processes with health carriers and can be part of insurance provider networks. These changes effectively recognize athletic trainers as legitimate healthcare providers within Missouri's insurance and healthcare regulatory framework, giving them similar professional standing to other healthcare professionals like physicians, dentists, and chiropractors. The bill also makes a minor technical correction by updating a section reference from 376.1580 to 376.1578. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the professional status and reimbursement opportunities for athletic trainers in the state's healthcare system.

Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1965&year=2026&code=R