MASCA Legislative Update: 2/25/2018

Trending Articles

Anthem rescinds Modifier 25 – E&M policy proposal KWMU: Q&A about Greitens indictment AP: Greitens indicted under law aimed at 'Peeping Toms' P-D: Who is Mike Parson? Meet the man who could replace Greitens KC Star editorial: Missouri should not treat pregnant drug addicts like criminals

The Missouri Times: Republicans look to fix state's 'bad reputation' for legal climate with Munzlinger's venue and joinder legislation, but bill gets laid over The Missouri Times: Bill White launches TV ad for Senate bid AP: Legislature moves forward on drug take-back program SNL: National advocacy group gives Missouri poor ranking for health KC Star: Date set for special election for Silvey's state Senate seat

Key Legislative Updates

Workers Compensation Claims Database: A big thanks to MASCA’s Christine Frederick for taking time to travel to Jefferson City this week to testify in opposition to legislation that would create a workers compensation fee schedule. We met with the Senate Chairman last week and he does not intend to vote the bill out of the committee in the near future.
Surprise Billing: The Senate Health Committee advanced SB 928, a bill sponsored by Sen. Bob Onder, MD (R-Lake St. Louis) to address recent insurance policy proposals relating to a) ER benefit determination; b) direct payment to providers; c) use of Modifier 25 for E&M services; and d) surprise billing. Link to bill text (not public yet). A House version is expected to be voted on this week, although Anthem’s announcement to repeal the Modifier 25 code may cause that provision to be removed.
ASC Caregiver Bill: A House and Senate bill have been introduced to require hospitals and ASCs to provide patients with an opportunity to designate a caregiver prior to discharge. We are working to get ASCs carved out of this bill. The House bill was referred to the Health & Mental Health Committee this week.
Prohibition of Non-Competes: An act to restrict the use and enforcement of non-compete clauses in contracts. This has a significant amount of opposition from the MO Chamber, MO Hospital Association and other business groups. It was passed 6-4 out of the Workforce Development Committee and is still awaiting a vote in the House Rules Committee. A vote on this has been postponed in the House Rules Committee, signaling it may not advance much further.
Opioid Restrictions: Restricts initial opioid prescription to seven day supply limit, unless designated in the medical record the reason for additional supply. This was passed out of committee on Feb 7th, but has yet to be placed on the Senate calendar for debate.
Medicaid Reimbursement for Chiropractors: The Senate approved a bill this week that would allow chiropractors to get reimbursed through Medicaid.