Bill > HB2591

This bill modifies provisions related to various professional licenses in Missouri, including those for speech-language pathologists, accountants, dentists, physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists. For speech-language pathologists, it clarifies that the required clinical fellowship must be supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist in good standing in any state, with an exemption for those holding an audiology clinical doctoral degree. The bill also updates requirements for certified public accountants (CPAs), including changes to educational requirements for examination eligibility and the conditions under which out-of-state CPAs can practice in Missouri, moving away from "substantial equivalency" to a focus on "mobility" and comparable licensure requirements. It also adjusts the experience requirements for CPA licensure and clarifies rules regarding firm permits and peer reviews. For dentists, it refines definitions and exceptions related to the practice of dentistry, particularly for non-profit organizations and federally qualified health centers. Physicians' licensing requirements are updated to include criminal background checks and specific educational and training credentials, with provisions for disciplinary disclosure. Respiratory care practitioners will now need active credentials from the National Board for Respiratory Care or a successor organization for licensure, with specific provisions for certified respiratory therapists and random audits for license renewals. The bill also makes minor adjustments to nursing practice exceptions, social worker supervisory experience requirements, and expands the scope of services pharmacists can provide, including the prescribing of certain medical devices under joint rules with the healing arts board.