Bill > H2480

This bill requires insurance providers in Massachusetts to recognize and provide payment for services performed by registered nurse first assistants (RNFAs) during surgical procedures. Specifically, the bill amends several chapters of Massachusetts law to mandate that when insurance policies, hospital service plans, medical service agreements, and health maintenance organization contracts provide surgical first assisting benefits, these provisions must be interpreted as including payment for RNFAs who are licensed under section 80B of chapter 112. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Health to prepare a comprehensive report by September 1, 2026, examining the impact of RNFAs on patient care quality. This report will involve collecting data from hospitals and insurers on various outcome measures such as patient mortality and morbidity rates, patient satisfaction, safety, pain management, and other clinical indicators. The report will be developed in consultation with multiple healthcare and professional organizations, including the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the Massachusetts Hospital Association, to provide a thorough assessment of the role and effectiveness of registered nurse first assistants in surgical settings.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2480