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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — State Rep. Patty Lewis, D-Kansas City filed multiple pieces of legislation to address major concerns from her constituents and concerned parties across the state about Missouri’s health care crisis.
“When I first ran for office, I said that as a nurse, I am in the business of saving lives and that I would continue to do so in the statehouse by passing legislation that increases access to health care,” Lewis said. “I am pleased with the work I have accomplished alongside other legislators since I came to Jefferson City in 2021, but there is so much more to be done.”
Lewis serves on several health care committees, including as the minority ranking member on the House Healthcare Reform Committee. She says the bills she filed all aim to make health care more accessible and more affordable.
House Bill 1873 would allow telehealth providers to determine for themselves the medium they use to provide care, be it audiovisual or audio only.
House Bill 1874 would require health insurance carriers that include coverage for contraceptives to increase the quantity covered in a prescription from the current allowed supply of 30-90 days to one year. MOHealthNet already requires a yearlong supply.
House Bill 1875 would allow any licensed health care professional to utilize expedited partner therapy (EPT) to stymie the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Current law only allows EPT for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Finally, House Bills 1875 and 1881 would remove overly burdensome requirements from advanced practice registered nurses and nurse anesthetists, respectively, in collaborative practice arrangements that currently impede their ability to practice to the full extent of their training.
“Our state has a dire need to address some of issues in how our citizens and communities access health care,” Lewis said. “If we pass these health care bills into law, we will enable people to receive the health care they need and deserve, and it will save lives.”
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