Medical association lobbies for screening, payment laws. (Missouri State Medical Association)(Special Section: Health Care)

In the wake of one of its biggest legislative wins, the Missouri State Medical Association plans to pursue some unfinished business in 1998.

The MSMA, which represents some 6,000 member physicians, helped marshal H.B. 335 through the Missouri legislature last year and into law. The omnibus health-care package, which provides patient protection largely through disclosure requirements, a grievance system and coverage of emergency services, went into effect in August. MSMA plans to target several issues that were not included in the final law.

"At this point, the focus is on the genetic screening and delinquent reimbursement issues," said Tom Holloway, chief lobbyist …