MO SB40

Adds coverage under the State Legal Expense Fund for physicians, therapists, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, pharmacists, psychologists, and nurses licensed under Missouri law who contract with the Department of Social Services (MO HealthNet or Family Support divisions) or Department of Mental Health to provide consultant services.

Limits aggregate payments from the State Legal Expense Fund to $500,000 for all claims arising from the same act or acts alleged in a single cause, and $500,000 maximum per individual claimant.

Excludes private malpractice insurance from being considered available to cover the state fund's liability portion for these consultant services.

Requires the Department of Social Services to promulgate rules regarding contract procedures and documentation of services provided under this coverage.

Specifies that claims under this provision are paid by the state legal expense fund to the extent damages are allowed under sections 538.205 to 538.235, without the damage limitations that apply to other state employee claims.