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MCNP Presents Testimony Regarding Masshealth Reform Legislation
On behalf of MA nurse practitioners, MCNP Past-President and Legislative Co-Chair, Stephanie Ahmed, presented testimony yesterday before the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing regarding House Bill 3829, An Act Promoting Affordable Health Care Options.
The bill was filed by Governor Baker as part of his efforts to pass provisions from his previously introduced Masshealth reform package.
In addition to the use of more affordable insurance products, the bill proposes to increase access to lower-cost providers by expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses (including CRNAs and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists), optometrists and podiatrists. If passed as written, the bill would remove dual oversight by the Board of Registration in Medicine and would allow independent prescriptive practice for experienced NPs. The bill as filed stipulates a 2 year transition period for new practitioners during which time prescriptive oversight by a supervising MD or independent NP is required. H. 3829 is a stand alone bill and separate from Governor Baker's proposed budget amendment containing Masshealth reforms that was rejected earlier today by the MA House and Senate.
To read the full language of the bill in full, go to:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H3829
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