An Act to remove barriers to patient care
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends several sections of Massachusetts General Laws to allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to fulfill certain requirements typically handled by attending, treating, or consulting physicians when seeking coverage or reimbursement for health services. Specifically, it removes barriers related to diagnostic evaluations, medical necessity determinations, certifications, orders, prescriptions, and treatment recommendations. The bill also updates language to include ‘treating provider’ instead of ‘treating physician’ in certain contexts.
Key provisions
- Allows APRNs to fulfill requirements for diagnostic evaluations, medical necessity determinations, certifications, written orders, prescriptions, or treatment recommendations.
- Modifies Chapter 175 of the General Laws to include this provision.
- Updates Chapter 176A, 176B, and 176G of the General Laws with similar provisions.
- Changes section 16 of Chapter 176O to include ‘advanced practice registered nurse’ when referring to a treating provider.
- Replaces ‘treating physician’ with ‘treating provider’ in section 16 of Chapter 176O.
- Expands the language in section 16 of Chapter 176O to include ‘treating advanced practice registered nurse’.
Who is affected
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
- Healthcare Providers
- Patients
- Health Insurance Companies
- The Healthcare System
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsor
Daniel M. Donahue
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