Legislative Day talking points

MSHA Legislative Day Talking Points

SB 1405 – SLP and Audiology Licensure (Clinical Fellowship)

• This bill improves workforce mobility and helps Missouri recruit and retain speech-language pathologists, especially in rural and underserved areas.

• Allowing supervision by licensed SLPs in any state reduces barriers for new graduates and strengthens the pipeline of providers.

• Increasing access to supervision ultimately improves timely access to services for children and adults.

SB 1637 – Communication Access Services

• This program improves access to communication services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, helping ensure safety, healthcare access, and equal participation.

• Supporting a statewide registry and training standards helps address workforce shortages and service gaps across Missouri.

• Communication access is essential for quality healthcare, education, and community participation—not special treatment.

SB 841 – Comprehensive Healthcare Provisions

• Changes to telehealth, prior authorization, and coverage policies directly impact patient access to speech, language, hearing, and swallowing services.

• Streamlined healthcare processes can reduce delays in care and improve outcomes.

• Access to timely therapy reduces long-term healthcare costs.

SB 1691 – Telehealth Licensure Reciprocity

• Expanding telehealth flexibility increases access to care in rural and underserved areas.

• Telepractice allows Missouri providers to reach patients who otherwise have limited or no access to services.

• Telehealth supports continuity of care and reduces transportation barriers for families.

SB 1499 – Food is Medicine Act

• Nutrition and feeding are closely connected to swallowing disorders, pediatric feeding issues, and chronic health conditions.

• Preventive care models help reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve overall outcomes.

• Collaboration between nutrition and therapy services supports whole-person care.

SB 1676 / SB 1658 – Communication Disability Designation (“Mason’s Law”)

• This legislation improves safety by helping law enforcement recognize individuals with communication challenges.

• It supports individuals with speech, language, hearing, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.

• Enhancing communication in emergencies can prevent misunderstandings and reduce risk.

SJR 103 and SJR 108 – Work Requirements for MO HealthNet

• Any changes to Medicaid eligibility may impact access to essential therapy services for vulnerable populations.

• Speech, language, hearing, and swallowing therapy often prevent more costly medical and educational services.

• Maintaining access supports health, independence, and workforce participation.

HB 3079 – Public School Retirement System (PSRS) for SLPs

• Recognizing school-based SLPs as equivalent to teachers supports recruitment and retention in Missouri schools.

• This helps address workforce shortages and ensures students receive timely services.
  Access to speech and language services improves literacy, academic success, and long-term outcomes.

HB 2408 – Deaf-Blind Grant Funding

• Removing the funding cap expands access to assistive technology and communication supports.

• These services promote independence, education, and employment opportunities.

• Supporting this program strengthens services for individuals with complex communication needs.

Remember to make this experience personal and relatable for legislators.  

• Introduce yourself and MSHA - Keep it short (less than 15 min)

• Explain the issue by using a story to demonstrate effects/need for change

• Identify a specific Bill of interest – do we support/not support

• Ask if they have any questions and leave your contact info/summary sheet
  

Missouri Legislative Bills Relevant to SLPs and AuDs

Upcoming Hearings

SB 1405 – SLP and Audiology Licensure

• Modifies licensure requirements by allowing completion of the clinical fellowship under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist in good standing in any state.

• Supports workforce mobility and recruitment.

• Hearing: February 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (CST)

SB 1637 – Communication Access Services

• Establishes a statewide communication access program through the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

• Includes:

• • Statewide registry of qualified providers

  • ADA compliance support for agencies and businesses

  • Coordination of communication access services

  • Training, outreach, and education

  • Financial assistance for access services (subject to funding)

  • Scholarships for interpreter training, internships, and certification

  • Annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly

• Hearing: February 25, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. (CST)

Healthcare and Policy Bills

SB 841 – Comprehensive Healthcare Provisions

• Covers multiple healthcare topics including telehealth, prior authorization, MO HealthNet services, hospital workplace safety, and public health.

• May indirectly impact access to services, coverage, and healthcare delivery models.

SB 1691 – Telehealth Licensure Reciprocity

• Allows healthcare providers licensed in Missouri with waivers to provide telehealth services at the same level as fully licensed providers.

• Supports access to care, particularly in rural communities.

SB 1499 – “Food is Medicine Act”

• Creates a MO HealthNet nutrition program to improve health outcomes through nutrition counseling, meals, and community-based support.

• Focuses on prevention and chronic disease management.

Communication and Accessibility Bills

SB 1676 – Communication Disability Designation (“Mason’s Law”)

• Allows individuals with communication disabilities to request a designation linked to their vehicle registration to assist law enforcement communication.

SB 1658 – Communication Disability Designation (“Mason’s Law”)

• Identical to SB 1676 and HB 3175.

• Provides the same communication support system.

Constitutional and Medicaid Policy

SJR 103 – Work and Community Engagement Requirements

• Would allow the General Assembly to implement work requirements for certain programs, potentially impacting Medicaid participation.

SJR 108 – MO HealthNet Work Requirements

• Requires certain individuals to meet work requirements as a condition of Medicaid participation.

Education and Workforce

HB 3079 – Public School Retirement System (PSRS) for SLPs

• Recognizes school-based SLPs as equivalent to certificated teachers.

• Ensures eligibility for retirement benefits under PSRS.

• Effective July 1, 2027.

Access and Support Services

HB 2408 – Deaf-Blind Grant Funding

• Removes the $300,000 annual cap on grants administered by the MOCommission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing & Expands access to services and assistive technology.