Bill > H1366

This bill aims to protect medically fragile children by improving the availability and reporting of continuous skilled nursing services in Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to incrementally increase the budget for continuous skilled nursing care, with the goal of ensuring at least 75% of authorized nursing hours are filled by July 1, 2025, rising to 85% by July 1, 2027. MassHealth (the state's Medicaid program) will be required to submit an annual report detailing the number of filled and unfilled nursing hours, appeals for denied services, and any reductions in authorized hours. Additionally, the bill mandates that the center developing biennial reports seek input from nurses, patients, and family members about their direct care experiences. The Office of Medicaid must also conduct a comprehensive review of wage payment rates for home health agencies providing continuous skilled nursing care, examining rates by patient acuity and nurse licensure levels, and provide a detailed report to legislative committees by March 1, 2027. The overall intent is to improve access to skilled nursing care for medically fragile children by addressing staffing shortages and ensuring adequate compensation for nursing professionals.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1366