Dear NLP members,

This was a productive week in the Capitol. We saw movement on several of MONA’s workplace violence priorities.  We also expect hearings to pick up in the next few weeks.

APRN Bills

Although the bills still have not been referred in the House, this week did see some progress in the Senate.  We have learned that both priority Transition to Practice bills will have a committee hearing next week.  That hearing is expected to be on Tuesday, February 24th in the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration committee.  The bill numbers are SB 979 and SB 1016.  You can see the members of that committee here: https://senate.mo.gov/Committees/CommitteeDetails/86

This is the same committee that heard and unanimously voted for the Transition to Practice bills last year.  Stay tuned for an opportunity to take action on these bills.  I will be back in touch with next steps after the hearing.

WPV Bills

This was a great week for movement with the workplace violence bills.  In the Senate, SB 841 had a public hearing in the Families, Seniors, and Health committee.  This bill is an omnibus healthcare bill that contains the workplace violence signage language that almost passed last year.

In the House, HB 2072 was referred to the Health and Mental Health committee.  That means it can now have a public hearing.  HB 2072 is the changes to Assault IV that MONA worked on with a local prosecutor.  Once a hearing is scheduled, I will be back in touch and we can contact committee members in support of this important bill.

Also, HB 2372, the healthcare omnibus in the House with the workplace violence signage language was sent to the rules committee for a procedural vote.  After this vote the bill can be debated on the House floor.

MONA remains hopeful that both these bills will keep moving forward.

Bad Bill Update

Last week I wrote to you about a couple of bad bills.  House Bill 2557 – Emergency Department Physicians and House Joint Resolution 154 – MO Healthnet Work Requirements.  HB 2557 was NOT voted on in committee so it will not move forward this week.  The committee can still vote on this bill in future weeks.  I am positive that our strong opposition to the bill is part of why the bill was not voted on.  Keep up the great work!

HJR 154, the MO Healthnet Work Requirements bill was voted out of the House this week.  It now heads to the Senate.  Now would be a good time to talk to your Senator and express your opposition to this unnecessary and harmful joint resolution.  Remember, because it is an HJR and not a HB, if passed it would go to a statewide vote of the people before becoming law.  So, the fight is far from over on this issue.

Lastly, HB 1998, the harmful bill relating to DEI and educational institutions still has not been heard.  After being noticed up for a committee hearing a few weeks ago, it was removed from the agenda and hasn’t moved forward since.  MONA will continue to monitor the bill because of its potential impact on nursing schools.  

Upcoming Events:

Next week is MONA’s annual Nurse Advocacy Day. Registration for this event is closed, but if you registered I look forward to seeing you at the Capitol next week.  

You can find all our upcoming events on the MONA website under calendar.

Thank you for all you do to protect access to healthcare in Missouri.

Jack Seigel

MONA Outreach Manager