Missouri House Bill HB1130

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Specifies that certain medical titles or specialty designations are reserved for the use of licensed physicians

Impact

Should HB1130 be enacted, it would significantly impact state laws governing the practice of medicine in Missouri. By reserving certain titles and designations solely for licensed physicians, the legislation aims to prevent individuals without the appropriate medical qualifications from misleading the public. This change could bolster trust in healthcare providers and potentially reduce cases of malpractice or fraudulent practices by unlicensed individuals posing as qualified medical professionals.

Summary

House Bill 1130 aims to amend Chapter 334 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section that restricts the use of specific medical titles and specialty designations to licensed physicians only. This includes titles such as 'Doctor of Medicine', 'Surgeon', 'Anesthesiologist', among others. The intent of the bill is to clarify and enforce who can legitimately use these professional titles, hence maintaining the integrity of the medical profession and protecting patient safety.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HB1130 represents a move towards more stringent regulation of medical titles in Missouri, aiming to protect both the public and the reputation of legitimate medical professionals. As the legislative process unfolds, it will be important to monitor the debates and opinions surrounding the bill to understand its broader implications for health legislation in the state.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at safeguarding professional integrity within healthcare, it may also raise concerns regarding the implications for other practitioners in complementary and alternative medicine fields. There could be pushback from various health practitioners who utilize the described titles in their practices, as this may limit their professional recognition and ability to attract clients. The discussions around this aspect of the bill highlight potential conflicts between tradition and modern medical practices.