House passes telehealth reciprocity bill to expand rural provider access

The Missouri House on April 23 adopted the Senate substitute for House Bill 29 74, a bill supporters described as a workforce and rural-health access measure that aligns telehealth licensing reciprocity and adds interstate compacts for certain health professionals. The final recorded vote on passage was yeas 108, nays 30.

The Greene County representative told the chamber the bill removes barriers that prevent providers from practicing in Missouri and uses interstate compacts to allow athletic trainers, dietitians and physician assistants to serve patients across state lines. “This is a workforce bill,” the Greene County representative said, adding that the change would let rural communities access care more readily.

A member who sits on the professional registration and licensure committee said the bill came through that committee and encouraged support, noting the measure would strengthen telehealth capacity and support Missouri’s rural health transformation program. Supporters argued the policy expands capacity without adding bureaucracy.

The House adopted the Senate substitute and then voted to truly agree and finally pass the measure; it now proceeds to the governor for signature or veto.