2026 Legislative Guide

The Missouri General Assembly convenes in January to propose and debate public policies with far-reaching implications for citizens and businesses across the state. Many of the bills filed impact how hospitals manage operations, support their workforce and deliver care in their communities. Missouri Hospital Association staff work closely with our member hospitals and industry partners to shape those proposals in ways that create an environment allowing our hospitals and health systems to thrive and fulfill their missions.

MHA’s 2026 Legislative Guide outlines our agenda for the year — identifying board-approved priorities that we will strive to pass and those measures we oppose because they create administrative burdens and hardship for members. As legislators prepare for another election cycle, they will attempt to leave their mark on policies that shape Missouri’s future. The complexities and nuances of the health care system require careful attention to how proposed legislation will affect hospitals’ ability to provide quality care.

This year’s legislative priorities build on our past efforts to implement regulatory and reimbursement reforms, reduce administrative burden and stave off measures that impede hospital operations. 

Your elected officials and policymakers benefit from hearing real stories of how you serve your communities, fulfill your missions and deliver care to patients in their time of need. We stand ready to facilitate and support those interactions and to keep you apprised of activities in the Capitol. Your voices are crucial to influencing lawmakers’ understanding of the difficulties inherent in serving Missourians 24-7-365 and shaping legislative outcomes that promote a strong health care safety net in our state.