An Act relative to the nurse licensure compact in Massachusetts

Bill No. S.747

This bill introduces comprehensive amendments to existing laws governing nursing practices and licensure, addressing multiple facets of the profession. Sections 1 and 2 bring about changes to Section 14 of Chapter 13 of the General Laws and Section 79 of Chapter 112, respectively, expanding the regulatory framework and empowering nursing boards to assess penalties for violations. The pivotal addition, Section 3, introduces a new Chapter 112A - Nurse Licensure Compact, establishing a multistate licensing system with defined terms like "home state" and "party state." Sections 4 to 6 grant licensing boards additional powers, mandate the creation of a coordinated licensure information system, and establish the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators, outlining its functions. Section 7 focuses on financing the interstate commission through assessments on party states, also addressing immunity and defense. Sections 8 to 10 cover oversight, default, technical assistance, termination, construction, and severability. Sections 11-18 delve into administrative and regulatory aspects, emphasizing the bill's goal of facilitating streamlined nurse licensure across states through a comprehensive framework for rulemaking, oversight, dispute resolution, and withdrawal procedures.

An Act to redirect excessive health insurer reserves to support health care needs

Bill No. S.644

The bill proposes a new section, Section 231, amending Chapter 175 of the General Laws to address excessive health insurer reserves. Health insurance carriers are required to pay an assessment, calculated based on surplus exceeding 525 percent of risk-based capital. The division, in consultation with relevant entities, will establish assessment criteria, payment procedures, and enforcement mechanisms, including interest and penalties. The total assessment amount is set at $300,000,000, allocated to support healthcare services and transferred to the Behavioral Health Trust Fund and COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Hospital Relief Trust Fund. Subsection (c) with the $300 million assessment sunsets on December 31, 2025.

An Act relative to uncollected co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles

Bill No. S.643

The bill proposes adding Section 7A to Chapter 176O of the General Laws, ensuring fair reimbursement for healthcare provider bad debt. Carriers must reimburse providers a minimum of 65% for unpaid co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles after reasonable collection efforts. The bill outlines conditions for reimbursement requests, audits, and dispute resolution. It prohibits carriers from preventing upfront collection at the time of service. The division is tasked with promulgating regulations within 90 days, and if not, the bill self-implements, following Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' rules. Carriers must submit an annual report on reimbursed and denied amounts, promoting transparency in the reimbursement process.

An Act related to health insurance benefits for municipal employees

Bill No. S.642

This bill amends Section 19 of chapter 32B of the General Laws, specifically by adding a new subsection (k). According to this amendment, eligible municipal employees who enroll in the commission's health insurance coverage within the initial 10 days of their employment will have coverage effective either on their first day of employment or the date of subscription, whichever is later. The bill authorizes the commission to establish regulations for the enforcement of this subsection. Furthermore, Section 2 mandates the group insurance commission to develop necessary regulations to implement this new subsection within three months of the effective date of the act.

An Act to ensure senior care organization quality and accountability

Bill No. S.369

This bill proposes an amendment to Section 9D of chapter 118E of the General Laws. Specifically, it adds a new paragraph (7) to subsection (e). According to this amendment, when contracting with a nursing home licensed under section 71 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, any MassHealth Senior Care Options program that the MassHealth agency contracts with for providing and coordinating services on a capitated basis must reimburse the nursing home for care and services provided to a MassHealth member. The reimbursement amount should not be less than the Medicaid fee-for-service payment rates established in 101 CMR 206: Standard Payments to Nursing Facilities. The reimbursement payments are required to cover room and board, along with all rate add-ons specified in 101 CMR 206. This measure aims to ensure access to critical services and facilitate smooth transitions from hospitals to nursing facilities for MassHealth members.

An Act relative to the operating budgets of health care oversight agencies

Bill No. S.746

This bill proposes amendments to the General Laws. In Section 1, it suggests adding a paragraph to Section 6 of chapter 6D. The added provision stipulates that the assessed amount for hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and surcharge payors should not increase from the previous year at a rate greater than the health care cost growth benchmark approved by the commission under section 9 of the same chapter for the corresponding year.

Similarly, in Section 2, the bill recommends inserting a paragraph into Section 7 of chapter 12C. This paragraph mirrors the language of the addition to Section 6 in emphasizing that the assessed amount for hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and surcharge payors should not experience a greater-than-benchmark increase from the previous year, with the benchmark being approved by the health policy commission pursuant to section 9 of chapter 6D for the same year.

An Act relative to state reporting obligations of health plan coverage

Bill No. S.1824

This bill introduces amendments to Section 8B of chapter 62C of the General Laws. In Section 1, subsection (a) is modified to allow employers or sponsors of employment-sponsored health plans to fulfill written statement requirements by providing a federal Form 1095-B to each subscriber or covered individual in Massachusetts. This form should be accompanied by a model notice indicating that the coverage meets the standards for minimum creditable coverage as defined in chapter 111M. Employers must also include an attestation in their separate report to the commissioner, certifying that the health plan coverage complies with minimum creditable coverage standards. Importantly, this amendment does not impact the minimum creditable coverage requirements outlined in chapter 111M.

Section 2 amends subsection (c) of Section 8B, specifying that if an employer chooses to submit a federal Form 1095-B in its separate report to the commissioner, it must redact social security numbers and other necessary information to comply with privacy requirements.

Finally, Section 3 stipulates that these amendments will take effect for the current tax year upon the date of enactment.

An Act to increase access to blood donation

Bill No. S.1372

This bill proposes an amendment to Section 184B of chapter 111 of the General Laws. The amendment involves inserting new language after the words "federal hospitals." Specifically, the addition includes the phrase "an organization registered as a blood establishment with the federal Food and Drug Administration."

An Act relative to rates for workers providing supports and services for individuals with disabilities

Bill No. S.83

This bill introduces comprehensive amendments to existing laws related to the Department of Developmental Services rates of payment and MassHealth reimbursement for day habilitation programs. In Section 1, a new Section 22P is added to Chapter 7 of the General Laws, providing definitions for terms related to direct care staff and direct support professionals. The legislation mandates that rates of payment for department programs adhere to specific salary allowances for various positions, ensuring consistency with labor statistics, and benchmarking for fringe benefits and payroll taxes.

Moving on to Section 2, modifications are made to Section 22N of Chapter 7, stipulating that in contracts between providers and the Commonwealth, payment rates shall not lead to the reduction, deferment, or non-payment of other associated costs. Section 3 introduces a provision to Section 13D of Chapter 118E, indicating that ratemaking duties for reimbursement rates to day habilitation programs will be conducted pursuant to a new Section 13D½.

In Section 4, a new Section 13D½ is added to Chapter 118E, outlining specific requirements for MassHealth rates of payment for day habilitation programs. This section establishes salary allowances, proportionate increases, and benchmarking for fringe benefits and payroll taxes. Section 5 clarifies that compliance with the provisions of this act will not result in a reduction, deferment, or non-payment of any other costs associated with social service programs or long-term services and supports programs in the Commonwealth.

Section 6 conditions the expenditure of appropriations from the executive office of health and human services upon assurances that funds will be used solely for the specified adjustments in Sections 2(b) and 4(b). Finally, Section 7 specifies that Sections 1 through 4 will take effect 12 months after the passage of this act.