Sponsor and supporters say bill expands emergency disciplinary authority to massage therapists and chiropractors

Representative Bruce Sassman (61st District) introduced House Bill 16 23, telling the committee that health care professionals often see patients in private examination settings and that patients deserve strong protections. "If we didn't have any bad actors, we wouldn't need any laws," Sassman said as he described the bill as adding massage therapists and chiropractors to the list of professionals subject to emergency disciplinary actions via the Administrative Hearing Commission.

Wes Shumate, a trial lawyer with Davis Bethune and Jones representing the Missouri Trial Attorneys, testified in support and described experiences in his practice with sexual assaults at massage parlors. He said the private nature of some massage therapy settings makes escape difficult for victims and argued for a streamlined process to suspend or restrict practitioners when immediate threats to public safety exist.

A registered lobbyist identified in the transcript as Lynch Lawster spoke for the Missouri Chiropractic Physicians Association in support, arguing the bill strengthens public safety by enabling swift action against misconduct. The witness said existing investigations can take months or years while licensees remain in practice, which the witness described as a public safety issue.

No opposition testimony was recorded in the transcript. The chair closed the hearing on House Bill 16 23 and the committee proceeded to its next item.