Bill > S801

This bill aims to remove barriers to patient care by allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to perform certain medical functions traditionally reserved for physicians across multiple chapters of Massachusetts law. Specifically, the bill modifies chapters related to health insurance to permit APRNs to conduct diagnostic evaluations, determine medical necessity, provide certifications, write orders, prescribe treatments, and make treatment recommendations that were previously only allowed by physicians. These changes would enable APRNs to fulfill requirements for health service coverage and reimbursement under the same conditions as physicians, while explicitly stating that the bill does not expand the existing scope of practice for APRNs. The legislation makes corresponding technical amendments to several legal sections, including changing language from "treating physician" to "treating provider" and adding references to APRNs in relevant statutory language, with the ultimate goal of increasing patient access to healthcare services by recognizing the professional capabilities of advanced practice registered nurses.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S801