Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telehealth Reciprocity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews bill to clarify that licensure reciprocity covers telehealth practice
Summary
Representative Melanie Stinnett told the committee that House Bill 2974 clarifies that professionals admitted to Missouri licensure through universal reciprocity may practice via telehealth in the state; multiple health care organizations and the Division of Professional Registration supported the clarification, noting its relevance to a $216 million per‑year rural health transformation award.
Representative Melanie Stinnett (District 133) introduced House Bill 2974, which clarifies that licensure reciprocity in Missouri authorizes practice by telehealth for professionals who qualify under the state’s universal reciprocity process.
"If they meet the requirements of licensure for the state, then they could practice telehealth," Stinnett said, explaining the bill's intent to make clear that reciprocal licensees can provide telehealth services to Missouri patients. Committee members asked whether reciprocal licensees would still be required to pay state registration or annual fees; witnesses and the sponsor confirmed that licensees practicing in Missouri remain subject to state fees and registration requirements.
Wes Sutton, deputy division director for the Division of Professional Registration, testified the bill 'sures up' existing reciprocity language and tied the clarification to Missouri’s Rural Health Care Transformation award. He said the state received $216 million per year for five years under that program and noted telehealth access was a scoring rubric component for that funding.
Supporters from a range of health organizations — including the Missouri Academy of Physician Assistants, SSM Health, Missouri Hospital Association, Burrell Behavioral Healthcare, United We, BJC Health Care, the Missouri Nurses Association, the Missouri Athletic Trainers Association and the Missouri Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association — testified in favor, saying clearer statutory language helps workforce mobility and rural access. Witnesses did point out limits for advanced practice registered nurses because of collaborative practice laws, which differ by state.
There was no committee vote recorded on HB2974 in the transcript; the hearing closed after testimony and the committee was adjourned.
