Bill > HB2643

This bill, known as the "Hope for Missouri Patients Act," establishes provisions for eligible patients to access individualized investigational treatments for life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses when conventional treatments have been exhausted. An "eligible facility" is defined as an institution with a Federalwide Assurance for the Protection of Human Subjects. An "eligible patient" must have considered all FDA-approved options, received a physician's recommendation for a personalized investigational treatment based on their genetic profile, have a serious or life-threatening condition, and provide written, informed consent. An "individualized investigational drug, biological product, or device" is one unique to a patient based on their genetic makeup, excluding those derived from embryonic stem cells or abortion-related tissues, but including those from perinatal tissues. The act clarifies that it does not expand insurance coverage requirements, nor does it obligate health plans, third-party administrators, or governmental agencies to pay for these treatments, though they may choose to do so. It also protects healthcare providers from disciplinary action solely for recommending such treatments and prevents state officials from blocking patient access, while also establishing that patients are liable for costs unless otherwise contracted, and that their eligibility for hospice care may be affected. Finally, the bill limits liability for harm caused by these treatments if providers act in good faith and with reasonable care, and it does not affect coverage for clinical trials.