Gov. Nixon Signs Bill to Reauthorize Missouri Rx program

Press Release

Gov. Jay Nixon today signed into law a bill extending a program that has provided prescription drug assistance to hundreds of thousands of older Missourians and those with disabilities. Senate Bill 754 reauthorizes the Missouri Rx until Aug. 28, 2017; the program had been set to expire next month. In January, the Governor called upon the General Assembly to extend the program, which has enjoyed bi-partisan support since being established in 2006.

"Missouri Rx helps hundreds of thousands of seniors and Missourians with disabilities afford the prescription medication they need, and I commend the General Assembly for moving forward with the program's reauthorization," Gov. Nixon said.

Both Senate Bill 754 and Senate Bill 716, another public health bill the Governor also signed today, contain provisions that would create a new license for "assistant physicians." The Governor issued signing statements with both bills to convey his concerns that additional safeguards are necessary to ensure that the health of citizens would not be placed in jeopardy by this new class of medical licensure. The Governor's signing statement for Senate Bill 754 can be found here, and the signing statement for Senate Bill 716 may be found here.

In addition to those two bills, the Governor today also signed:

Senate Bill 567, which provides additional training and program resources through the Department of Health and Senior Services for providers of adult day care programs;
Senate Bill 606, which addresses individuals who solicit pre-paid legal service plans. The Governor included a signing statement with this bill, which can be found here, noting that the bill will strengthen the regulation of such individuals by subjecting them to civil and criminal enforcement by the Missouri Attorney General pursuant to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act;
Senate Bill 527, which designates each March 27th as "Medical Radiation Safety Awareness Day";
Senate Bill 691, which addresses homeowner insurance policies and sinkhole coverage;
Senate Bill 808, which addresses the licensure and scope of practice for certain professions;
House Bill 1225, which modifies provisions relating to self-service storage facilities;
House Bill 1603, which designates "jumping jacks" as the official state exercise; and
House Bill 1710, which establishes the Missouri National Guard Foundation Fund and authorizes a designation of tax refunds to the fund.
Gov. Nixon today also vetoed three other bills, including Senate Bill 575, which would limit the requirement for an actuarial analysis of health insurance benefit mandates and repeal the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee. The Governor's veto message can be found here.

Senate Bill 675, related to local government retirement plans, also was vetoed by the Governor today. The veto message, which can be found here, states that the bill would allow political subdivisions to transfer administration of a closed police or firefighter retirement plan without the consent of the plan's trustees or a vote of plan participants, even if such a vote is called for by the city charter.

Finally, Gov. Nixon also vetoed House Bill 1359, which would allow for the sale of alcohol in the Missouri State Capitol in certain situations.

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