HCS HB 780 -- PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

SPONSOR:  Wasson

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of
10 to 0.

This substitute changes the laws regarding the licensure of
certain professions in the Division of Professional Registration
within the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and
Professional Registration.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSE RENEWAL

The substitute adds deaf interpreters, occupational therapists,
clinical perfusionists, dietitians, massage therapists, interior
designers, acupuncturists, and tattooists to the list of licensed
professionals who are allowed to extend their license renewal
with the division while on active military duty.

ENDOWED CARE CEMETERIES

Operators of endowed care cemeteries, as a condition of license
renewal, must file a trust fund report with the division.  The
definition of "funeral establishment" is expanded to include a
crematory.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

The membership of the Advisory Commission for Physical Therapists
under the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts is
changed from five licensed physical therapists to four physical
therapists and one physical therapist assistant licensed in this
state.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

The reciprocity provision regarding professional counselors is
changed to allow a person licensed as a professional counselor in
another state who is at least 18 years of age, is of good moral
character, and is a citizen of or legally present in the United
States to receive a license without passing an examination.

MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

The reciprocity provision regarding licensed marital and family
therapists is changed to allow a person holding a current,
unsanctioned license from another state whose requirements are
substantially the same as Missouri's to apply for a license with
the State Committee on Marital and Family Therapists within the
department without passing an examination.

PHARMACY

The substitute changes the laws regarding the State Board of
Pharmacy.  In its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Removes the one-year time limit for an intern pharmacist
license;

(2)  Repeals language authorizing the board to establish rules
restricting the practice of intern pharmacists;

(3)  Creates a veterinary class for pharmacy permits or licenses;
and

(4)  Specifies that the veterinary pharmacy permit will not
interfere with a licensed veterinarian when compounding or
dispensing his or her own prescriptions.

REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS

The substitute changes the laws regarding the Missouri Real
Estate Appraisers Commission and real estate appraisers.  In its
main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Repeals the requirement that members of the commission be
members in good standing of a nationally recognized real estate
appraisal organization;

(2)  Repeals the provision regarding the term of office of
initial members of the commission;

(3)  Repeals the provision authorizing the commission to decide
the location of future quarterly meetings;

(4)  Authorizes the commission to administer oaths and issue and
enforce subpoenas;

(5)  Repeals the provision authorizing the commission to waive
continuing education requirements for retired or disabled
appraisers; and

(6)  Allows a person to renew his or her expired license within a
one-year period if evidence of the completion of all continuing
education requirements is provided and authorizes the commission
to issue inactive licenses.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that many licensees are serving on
active duty and while overseas are unable to renew their licenses
at the appropriate time.  The bill will allow them to renew their
license when they return.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wasson; and Division
of Professional Registration, Department of Insurance, Financial
Institutions, and Professional Registration.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am