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More than 100 practical nurses of the St. Louis area met on May 24, 1948. Theirs was a high purpose or rising standards of the profession in which they were working. They knew the need for qualified practical nurses, who by being licensed, would hold the confidences of the public. For that reason they wanted to organize a state-wide association to work for their goal. On that date, the Missouri State Association of Practical Nurses was started. The association is a not-for-profit organization and is owned by its membership.
In April, 1949 they introduced a bill providing for licensure to the Missouri General Assembly. The bill failed passage. The members were disappointed but not defeated. They worked hard and long recruiting new members and presented the licensure two more times before they were successful. Governor Phil Donnelly signed the Nurse Practice Act into law in 1953 and the Act included the Licensure Provision so long sought by the Association.
In 1953 licensure of practical nurses became law. "Licensed" was added to the name of the association. The Missouri State Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc., is the only full service professional organization in Missouri representing the state's 22,000 licensed practical nurses. The association state headquarter office is located in Jefferson City, Missouri, for centralized management of MoSALPN many activities and representing the LPN at government hearing and inquiries. We affiliate with all major health service groups and associations in the state. The "Broadcaster" is the official quarterly newsletter of the Association.