Creates provisions relating to the disclosure of patients' citizenship or immigration status

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gregg Bush

HB 1926 regulates when and to whom a patient’s citizenship or immigration status may be disclosed in health care, strengthening privacy protections.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#healthcare #healthcareprofessionals #immigration #lawenforcementofficersandagencies

Summary of HB 1926 (Session 2026, Missouri)

Purpose and intent

HB 1926 seeks to regulate the disclosure of patients' citizenship or immigration status. The bill appears to focus on when healthcare providers or institutions may disclose a patient’s citizenship or immigration status, and under what circumstances such information can be shared or used. The overarching goal is to address privacy and potential restrictions or requirements related to patient immigration status within the health care context.

Key provisions and changes

Disclosure restrictions or allowances: The bill sets rules governing if, when, and to whom a patient’s citizenship or immigration status may be disclosed. This likely includes limitations on disclosure to third parties (e.g., employers, insurers, or government agencies) and may specify permissible recipients or contexts.

Patient privacy protections: Provisions are expected to protect the confidentiality of immigration status information in medical records and during communications with healthcare staff.

Institutional obligations: Hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers may have to implement policies or procedures to comply with the disclosure rules, including staff training or record-keeping requirements.

Documentation and verification: The bill may require particular documentation practices or verification steps when handling immigration status information, and could outline penalties for noncompliance.

Implications for public programs: There could be clarifications related to how immigration status interacts with eligibility or reporting requirements for public health programs or funding, though specifics would depend on the text.

Who would be affected

Healthcare providers and facilities: Hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and other entities that maintain patient records and communications would be directly affected by any new disclosure and privacy requirements.

Patients: Individuals receiving medical care could see changes in how their citizenship or immigration status is handled, disclosed, or protected within health care settings.

Administrative and compliance staff: Roles responsible for patient records, privacy, and regulatory compliance would implement and enforce the new provisions.

Potentially third-party entities: Insurers, contractors, or government bodies may be subject to clarified rules on receiving or handling such information.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Prefiled in December 2025, first reading January 7, 2026, second reading January 8, 2026.

Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026, indicating further review by a House committee focused on current or emerging policy topics.

As a bill with sponsor and co-sponsor, it may undergo committee hearings, amendments, and potential floor action. The exact timeline depends on committee schedules and legislative priorities.

Notes

Specific statutory text, definitions (e.g., what constitutes “citizenship or immigration status”), and precise limitations or allowances are not provided here. For a complete understanding, the bill’s actual language and any associated fiscal notes or impact statements should be reviewed.

The political and policy implications can vary based on how the bill interacts with existing privacy, anti-discrimination, and health care access laws in Missouri.