ABORTION INDUCING DRUGS (SECTION 188.021)

This act requires that when RU-486 or any drug or chemical is used for the purpose of inducing an abortion, the drug or chemical shall be administered in the same room and in the physical presence of the physician who prescribed, dispensed, or otherwise provided the drug or chemical to the patient. The physician inducing the abortion, or a person acting on such physician's behalf, shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient returns 12 to 18 days after the administration of such drug or chemical for a follow-up visit so the physician is able to confirm that the pregnancy has been terminated and assess the patient's medical condition. At a minimum, the physician inducing the abortion shall include in the patient's medical records the date, time, and identification by name of the person making such reasonable efforts to ensure the patient returns for a follow-up visit in accordance with this act.

This provision is identical to SB 175 (2013) and to HB 400 (2013).

UTILIZATION OF TELEHEALTH BY NURSES (SECTION 335.175)

This act changes the laws regarding advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). By January 1, 2014, the Board of Registration for the Healing Arts in the Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration and the State Board of Nursing in the division must establish the Utilization of Telehealth by Nurses. An APRN who provides nursing services under a collaborative practice arrangement is permitted to provide the services using telehealth if the geographic proximity requirements of the collaboration arrangement prevents the nurse from providing services in a rural area located in a health professional shortage area in Missouri. All telehealth providers are required to obtain patient consent before telehealth services are initiated and ensure confidentiality of medical information.

This provision is also contained in SS/HCS/HB 315(2013).

ADRIANE CROUSE