Emergency medical license measure heads to Gov. Holden

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Doctors from other states could be temporarily licensed to work in Missouri during emergencies under a bill headed to the governor for consideration.

The Senate gave the bill final approval Monday on a 25-0 vote without debate.

Under the bill, out-of-state physicians could be granted Missouri medical licenses for up to two weeks in the event of a health emergency. The licenses could be re-issued every two weeks. For the provisions to kick in, the governor would have to declare a state of emergency. The bill is similar to a provision contained in bioterrorism legislation being considered by the House.

The medical bill is SB714 (Singleton).