SCS/SB 328 - This act requires interchangeable recognition of medical doctors (M.D.) and doctors of osteopathy (D.O.) by insurance companies and the law. Currently, Section 334.021, RSMo, requires the use of terms such as "physician", "practitioner of medicine" or "practitioner of osteopathy" to mean physicians and surgeons licensed by Chapter 334, RSMo. This act adds the provision that no insurance company may discriminate with respect to employment and related issues based on whether the physician is an M.D. or D.O. A provision is also added to require the interchangeable use of the terms "medical doctor", "M.D.", "physician", "doctor of osteopathy" or "D.O." in executive orders, administrative rules, and statutes unless any of those terms are specifically excluded. Similarly, recognition is required of specialists accredited by either the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association. This section does not apply to boards and commissions with unequal M.D. or D.O. members. Finally, language is removed from section 334.047 requiring a licensee to designate his or her degree in any public listing or display.
ERIN MOTLEY