Bill > H1166

This bill aims to address the overuse of temporary nursing service agencies at Massachusetts skilled nursing facilities. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. The Department of Public Health is directed to amend state regulations to reduce the maximum prices that temporary nursing agencies can charge skilled nursing facilities for registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or certified nurse aide services. The maximum prices will be capped at 150% of the established average wages for regular employees at each applicable classification. 2. The amendments will also require temporary nursing agencies owned by individuals or entities that hold operating licenses for Massachusetts skilled nursing facilities to be prohibited from providing temporary workers to those facilities. 3. The reporting requirements for temporary nursing agencies will be strengthened to increase transparency, including on compensation, benefits, and worker supports for temporary staff, as well as the financial performance of the agencies. 4. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services is directed to amend the state's quality adjustment payment regulations to reduce the credit given to nursing facilities for nursing care hours provided by temporary agency staff, in order to incentivize the use of regular, employed staff. 5. The Department of Public Health is also directed to amend regulations to require temporary nursing agency staff to meet the same qualifications and training requirements as regularly employed nursing staff.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1166