Call to Action SB 942- Modifies licensing requirements for certain health care providers

ACTION NEEDED - SB 942 Set for Hearing on Monday March 2nd

Sen. Jeanie Riddle posted notice that the Senate Professional Registration and Licensing Committee will hold a hearing on SB 942 (filed by Sen. Riddle) on Monday, March 2nd at 2PM in the Senate Lounge. SB 942, modifies licensing requirements for certain healthcare professionals, will significantly affect health care in Missouri as well as affect NP’s in a couple of ways:

• The bill prohibits NP’s who have earned doctoral academic degrees from using doctor in your title unless you specifically identify yourself as a doctor of nursing practice. Abbreviating your title to Dr. First Name/Last Name would no longer be permissible.
• The bill prohibits anyone that is not a licensed physician from performing minor, routine surgical procedures and suturing that NP’s perform each and every day. This would place an even greater strain on our already overwhelmed health care system and burden patients with longer waiting periods for routine procedures.

We encourage all NP’s that are available on Monday at 2PM to attend the hearing and voice your concerns over this bill that could significantly affect your practice and your patients. Depending on the outcome of Monday’s hearing, we will likely be asking you to contact committee members to vote against the measure. We will continue to keep you updated and we appreciate the support of our profession.

If you have any questions, or would like to provide us your written testimony against the bill, please email us at conference@apno.net.  Please provide your contact information as well.