HB 988 -- Licensure of Nurses

Sponsor:  Brandom

This bill changes the laws regarding the licensing of nurses.  In
its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Establishes a lapsed and a retired license status;

(2)  Requires the notice of a disciplinary hearing before the
State Board of Nursing to be served by certified mail.  If this
cannot be accomplished, the board may publish the notice in a
local newspaper;

(3)  Allows the board to ask for an expedited hearing before the
Administrative Hearing Commission if the board determines that a
nurse has committed an act which is a clear and present danger to
the public.  Fifteen days after the complaint and after a
preliminary hearing, the board may immediately restrict or
suspend the license.  Temporary authority to suspend a license
becomes final if the nurse does not request a full hearing within
30 days;

(4)  Allows for the sealing of records if the board, commission,
or a court of competent jurisdiction determines that a complaint
does not constitute a violation of the Nursing Practice Act and
is unsubstantiated;

(5)  Allows a person holding the title of advanced practice
registered nurse to use the title or any other title appearing on
his or her license;

(6)  Makes it unlawful for any unlicensed person to use the title
of nurse;

(7)  Specifies that reports made to the board do not violate the
federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
because the board qualifies as a health oversight agency; and

(8)  Defines "temporary nursing staffing agency" as any person,
firm, partnership, or corporation doing business within the state
that supplies, on a temporary basis, registered nurses or
licensed practical nurses to a hospital, nursing home, or other
facility.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:21 am