SB 316 - This act provides that no person shall receive compensation for referring an individual to another person to advise or assist the individual with any veterans benefits matter, which is described in the act. Additionally, no person shall receive compensation for any services rendered in connection with any claim filed within the one-year presumptive period of active-duty release. A person seeking to receive compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting with any veterans benefits matter shall state the specific terms in a written agreement signed by both parties. Such compensation shall be purely contingent upon an increase in benefits and shall not exceed five times the amount of the monthly increase in benefits. Any initial or non-refundable fees or charges are prohibited by this act. Additionally, persons seeking to receive such compensation shall not utilize a medical professional with whom they have an employment or business relationship for a secondary medical exam.
This act further provides that no person shall guarantee a successful outcome or that any individual is certain to receive specific benefits or a specific level, percentage, or amount of benefits. Additionally, no person shall provide such services without including a written and oral disclosure, which is specified in the act. Such disclosure shall be retained for at least one year after the service relationship terminates.
Persons engaging in the initial claim preparation shall not utilize international call or data centers for processing veterans' personal information nor gain direct access to any personal medical, financial, or governmental benefits log-in, username, or password information.
A violation of this act shall constitute an unlawful practice under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
This act is similar to SB 1405 (2024) and a provision in HCS/HB 1490 (2024).
KATIE O'BRIEN