Hello LeadingAge Missouri members! With the General Assembly in its home stretch and your Annual Conference on the horizon, my attention is focused on both. So too my mid-April perspective!
General Assembly – five weeks to go!
We’ve seen positive movement on legislation we’re tracking. When this newsletter hits your inbox, the Senate will be deep into considering the pragmatic approach to SNF and HCBS Medicaid funding that the House passed in a tough budget environment. As I write, we are optimistic that the final Senate budget will incorporate House and Gubernatorial recommendations for Medicaid provider reimbursement in FY 2027.
Similarly, we are encouraged that a Senate committee passed legislation sanctioning a path to full APRN practice rights. However, this is likely as far as the bill will advance. After years of incremental improvements to APRN practice authority – approaching what competitive, contiguous states now permit – we had hoped and lobbied for more. We will continue our fight to help APRNs do more in our field!
While predicting the Senate is difficult, the body seems poised to debate an omnibus healthcare reform bill (SB 841) with provisions impacting our members. On these provisions, we remain either supportive or neutral. The House already passed a nearly identical bill (HB 2372). However, the Senate’s version is likely to include provider payment pre-authorization reform that we support (and the House passed). Negotiations over pre-authorization policy continue, but we like the direction.
The Senate omnibus healthcare reform debate may also include consideration of a dramatically altered SB 910 that we’ve watched closely. Current SB 910 affects only criminal acts of abuse or neglect. Original SB 910 proposed challenging new requirements surrounding resident abuse or neglect in long-term care communities impacting both criminal and civil liability. Gone from current SB 910 are daunting liability insurance requirements, a “red-hand” icon display on DHSS’ website, and other public communications about substantiated provider abuse or neglect. Here is the current amended language of SB 910 recently advanced by the General Laws Committee, which could be added to any Senate healthcare bill at any time. Please share your perspective with me on this new language to inform LAM’s policy position.
Annual Conference May 17-20 at Margaritaville
The LAM team is putting final touches on an extraordinary 2026 Annual Conference. Check out the offerings and join the member registration wave here!
Motivated by our theme – “Change Makers” – Annual Conference will mix traditional education with creative learning opportunities supplemented by meaningful fellowship, engagement, and fun – all in the relaxed environment of the Lake of the Ozarks. Dynamic keynote and regulator general sessions will complement insightful, timely, education breakouts. Members will also connect during an afternoon of novel interactive learning that capitalizes on Margaritaville amenities, and participants will gain heightened appreciation for animal therapy… with real animal presenters! For your social engagement, you will be treated to a Sunday night outdoor reception, a Monday “Game Night” and a Tuesday “Hospitality Hop.” Add in meaningful Member Recognition and Exhibitor engagement and we’re talking “Change Maker” awesome! Don’t miss out! Register today!
Also, if your organization would like to sponsor the Recognition Luncheon, any of the resort interactive breakouts, or a Hospitality Hop stop, please review the sponsorship opportunities and let us know how you choose to engage! And please don’t forget…we want to honor Change Makers in our field! Nominate a deserving peer or colleague here by May 1. You’ll be glad you did! Hope to see all of you at Margaritaville May 17-20!
Yours in service,
