2022 Missouri Legislative Outlook: Health
The legislative outlook in the area of Health and Mental Health for the upcoming 2022 Missouri regular legislative session has several themes that are similar to past years’ topics, as well as a few new topics that are of priority for the General Assembly.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The first-year anniversary of the availability of a COVID-19 immunization occurs this month, with over 60% of the American population having received a vaccination series against the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The ongoing discussion in the Missouri General Assembly reflects the larger nationwide debate around whether to strengthen or prohibit vaccination requirements in various settings. Twenty-one bills have been filed that aim to prohibit vaccination as a requirement for employment or access, while others expand on who can administer vaccines (HB 1465 | HB 1485 | HB 1544 | HB 1575 | HB 1576 | HB 1617 | HB 1624 | HB 1665 | HB 1670 | HB 1686 | HB 1692 | HB 1710 | HB 1768 | HB 1769 | HB 1798 | HB 1861 | HB 2009 | SB 636 | SB 651 | SB 693 | SB 965).
Related Science Notes: COVID-19 Delta Variant & Vaccine Efficacy, COVID-19, Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Kratom, CBD, and Medical Marijuana
In the midst of the ongoing opioid epidemic in America, various pain relief alternatives are under consideration. Products such as kratom, CBD, and medical marijuana have been documented to have pain-relieving properties, and several bills have been introduced to regulate the growing consumer market and protect consumers (SB 774 | HB 1667 | HB 1851 | HB 1523 | HB 1537).
Related Science Note: Kratom Consumer Protection Act
Medicaid & Hospitals
In 2020, the Medicaid program was expanded to low-income Missourians. Two bills (SB 723 | SB 933) allocate or regulate Medicaid funds. Another topic of interest is certificate of need requirements, which must be met by hospitals looking to expand their facilities into new areas of medical practice. Three bills have been introduced that would eliminate certificate of need requirements (HB 1616 | SB 727 | SB 890).
Prescription Drugs
The rising cost of prescription drugs has prompted legislation across the country to moderate the impact on consumers. Several bills (HB 1677 | SB 814 | SB 815 | SB 921) aim to directly increase price transparency, as well as target the high cost of insulin by setting a price cap.
Related Science Note: Prescription Drug Pricing
Advanced Practice Registered Nursing
Advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) is a field that requires an advanced degree in order for trained nurses to practice. Four bills have been introduced that modify or eliminate restrictions on APRN practice (HB 1482 | HB 1578 | SB 803 | SB 917).
Related Science Note: APRN Scope of Practice
Syringe Access Program
Companion bills that would make it legal to provide sterile syringes have been pre-filed in both chambers (SB 690 | HB 1844). Similar legislation has been considered for the past several years, and made it through the committee process in both chambers last session but was not passed.
Related Science Note: Needle Exchange Programs
Questions? Contact Dr. Ramon Martinez III, Energy and Environment Policy Fellow, ramon@mostpolicyinitiative.org.
