Actions from 2018 Legislative Session

Anthem Policies MSMA solidifies sponsorship for legislation that would prohibit recent Anthem policies regarding ED claims and modifier 25 payment reductions.	Low-Dose Mammography MSMA requests the legislature include low-dose mammography in the state’s insurance coverage mandates.
Youth Skin-Cancer Prevention MSMA announces support of statewide effort to prohibit young people from using indoor tanning beds.	Vaccinations by Pharmacists MSMA amends language that would have allowed pharmacists to give vaccinations to patients of all ages.
Legislation on Anthem Introduced With MSMA’s suggested language, Missouri became the first state to introduce legislation to fight unfair Anthem policies.	Assistant Physician Licensure MSMA voices support for efforts to streamline the assistant physician licensure.
Telehealth Regulations MSMA testifies against onerous telehealth regulations promulgated by the Department of Health.	Substance-Abuse Treatment MSMA testifies in favor of extending MO HealthNet substance abuse treatment benefits for women up to two years postpartum.
Diabetes Awareness MSMA offers support for the creation of Diabetes Awareness Week in Missouri.	Meetings on Capitol Hill MSMA leaders and staff attend AMA’s National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., to discuss policy with elected officials.
Chiropractors in MO HealthNet MSMA opposes allowing chiropractors to participate in MO HealthNet, fighting claims chiropractic care will reduce unnecessary surgeries and save millions of dollars for MO HealthNet.	APRN Proximity Rules In an effort to increase rural access, MSMA agrees to extend the advanced practice registered nurse proximity rule to 75 miles and allow physicians to collaborate with up to six APRNs, if necessary.
Claims Denials MSMA testifies for legislation that would punish insurers for inappropriately denying claims throughout the appeals process.	Texting While Driving MSMA testifies in favor of extending the state’s ban on texting-and-driving to all persons. Missouri is one of three states without an outright ban.
Drug Takeback Program MSMA voices support for a statewide drug takeback program that would help properly dispose of unused controlled substances.	Board of Healing Arts In a House subcommittee on appropriations, MSMA fights efforts to steal board of healing arts funding needed to police the practice of medicine.
Athletic Trainers Laws Updates MSMA staff meets with officers from the Missouri Athletic Trainers Association to discuss the possibility of amending the athletic trainers laws during the 2019 legislative session.	Opioid Prescribers MSMA attends meeting of Departments of Health, Social Services, and Mental Health to learn more about their new efforts to identify outlier opioid prescribers.
Mandatory CME on Opioids MSMA fights off efforts that mandate physicians take opioid-related CME in order to have their licenses renewed.	Scope-of-Practice for APRNs MSMA testifies in opposition to independent practice and increased scope of practice changes for advanced practice registered nurses.
Short-Term Insurance Policies In order to educate potential patients about the perils of short-term medical policies, MSMA adds consumer protection disclaimer language to legislation that would extend the term of those policies from three months to a year.	Claims Against Physicians MSMA pushes for higher standards of proof when plaintiff’s attorneys try to prove punitive damage claims against physicians.
BoHA Policy Decisions MSMA attends meeting of Board for the Registration of Healing Arts in St. Louis to monitor policy decisions, and listen to licensure and regulatory updates that affect MSMA members.	State Funding Issues MSMA monitors the state budget process and protects funding for items affecting medical education, public health, and MO HealthNet.
Changes in Tort Laws MSMA voices support for comprehensive changes to Missouri tort laws.	Surprise Billing MSMA supports commonsense effort to end surprise billing of patients, and replace it with a fair reimbursement from the patient’s insurer.
Motorcycle Helmets MSMA fights efforts to repeal the state’s motorcycle helmet requirement.	CBD Oil Treatment Immunity MSMA fights for civil immunity for physicians who recommend CBD oil treatment for patients with serious medical conditions.
Modifier 25 Edits Due to MSMA’s first-in-the-country legislation, and pressure from the AMA, Anthem rescinds its modifier 25 payment reduction program a week before its scheduled release.	Organ Donation Services MSMA pushes for more educational outreach for organ donation services.