MO HB1842

Establishes framework for new occupational licensing regulations in Missouri with criteria for determining when state regulation is necessary, requiring demonstration of significant harm, public benefit, and consideration of less restrictive alternatives before licensing is imposed.

Creates Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration to oversee professional licensing boards and commissions.

Establishes "assistant physician" license for medical school graduates who have passed Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination to practice only primary care in medically underserved areas under a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician.

Requires assistant physicians to enter into written collaborative practice arrangements with supervising physicians, including minimum requirements for geographic proximity, chart review of at least 10% of cases every 14 days, and controlled substance prescribing oversight.

Creates "Medical Clinics in Medically Underserved Areas Fund" to provide matching grants to counties and municipalities that establish medical clinics with assistant physicians and collaborating physicians serving underserved communities.