Missouri § 334.021 - Reference to terms in prior laws, how construed — no hiring discrimination permitted based on medical degree held.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 334.021 — Reference to terms in prior laws, how construed — no hiring discrimination permitted based on medical degree held., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 334.021. Reference to terms in prior laws, how construed — no hiring discrimination permitted based on medical degree held.
1. Where other statutes of this state use the terms "physician", "surgeon", "practitioner of medicine", "practitioner of osteopathy", "board of medical examiners", or "board of osteopathic registration and examination" or similar terms, they shall be construed to mean physicians and surgeons licensed under this chapter or the state board of registration for the healing arts in the state of Missouri.
2. With the exception of section 197.700, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no health facility, health benefit plan, managed care plan, or health carrier shall discriminate with respect to employment, staff, privileges, or the provision of professional services against a physician licensed to practice the healing arts in this state on the basis of whether the physician holds a "medical doctor", "M.D." or "doctor of osteopathy", "D.O." degree.
3. Any reference in an executive order, an administrative regulation, or in the Missouri revised statutes to "medical doctor", "M.D.", or "physician" shall be deemed to include a "doctor of osteopathy" or "D.O." unless any of those terms are specifically excluded by reference to this section. Similarly, any reference to an "osteopath", "D.O." or "physician" shall be deemed to include a "medical doctor" or "M.D.", unless any of those terms are specifically excluded by reference to this section. Similarly, any reference to a specialist shall be deemed to include those specialists accredited by either the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association unless specifically excluded by reference to this section.
4. The provisions of subsection 3 of this section do not apply to the makeup of boards and commissions on which an unequal number of medical doctors or osteopaths serve.
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(L. 1959 S.B. 50 § 22, A.L. 2001 H.B. 567)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2001 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 334.021
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 334.021 cover?
Section 334.021 ("Reference to terms in prior laws, how construed — no hiring discrimination permitted based on medical degree held.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 334.021?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 334.021" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 334.021 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.