Missouri committee hears bill to bar local regulation of medical professions; veterinarians object

Representative Jim Murphy, a Republican from South St. Louis County, introduced House Bill 325 to a House committee hearing on March 25, 2025, proposing that the state — not local governments — control licensing and the scope of practice for medical professionals across Missouri.

The bill, Murphy said, would prevent local governments from imposing rules such as bans on particular prescriptions or procedures. "It's not the function of any government other than, the state to when it comes to licensing and then the practice," he said, adding that the bill’s aim is uniformity in how medical professions are regulated. Murphy also told the committee he plans to add a provision to include podiatrists under a proposed chapter 330 when the bill moves to executive action.

Supporters and several medical witnesses said local variation could create confusion for practitioners who work in multiple jurisdictions. Dr. Haruza, a physician who testified informally, said he…