Bill > S915

This bill introduces comprehensive regulations for temporary nursing service agencies (nursing pools) in Massachusetts, focusing on rate setting, performance monitoring, and workforce practices. The executive office will annually establish industry-wide rates for nursing services, including separate rates for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, with rates capped at 130% of average hourly base rates and including allowances for wages, taxes, benefits, administrative expenses, and reasonable profit. The bill mandates that these agencies maintain no more than 5% overhead costs and 5% profit, and requires them to submit detailed cost reports subject to audit. A new Temporary Nursing Service Agency Performance Report Card will be created and published online to increase transparency, which will track agencies' compliance with nursing standards, staff reliability, and shift coverage. Additionally, the bill prohibits nursing pools from recruiting employees from facilities where they have active contracts for the duration of the contract plus 12 months, and requires the Department of Public Health to ensure that temporary nursing agency workers meet the same qualifications and training requirements as regular nursing staff. The agencies will also be financially responsible for any fines resulting from issues with assigned staff, aimed at improving overall healthcare workforce quality and accountability.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S915