MO HB701

Amends workers' compensation law to allow injured employees to select their own physician, surgeon, or health care provider instead of being limited to employer-selected providers, with employer paying costs.

Requires health care providers to communicate fully with employees about their injury and recommended treatment, with violations constituting a disciplinary offense under chapter 620.

Establishes that employers may only select a health care provider if the employee does not make a selection first, applying to both initial medical treatment and physical rehabilitation.

Prohibits hospitals and health care providers from billing employees or reporting to credit agencies for work-related services once notice of a workers' compensation injury is received, with penalties up to $1,000 plus attorney's fees for violations.

Requires health care providers to disclose any financial interests in facilities where they refer patients, with violations classified as a class A misdemeanor.