An Act promoting and enhancing the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to support and strengthen birth centers and the midwifery workforce in Massachusetts. It ensures that payment rates for services provided by certified nurse-midwives and licensed certified professional midwives are equal to or greater than those paid to physicians, regardless of the location of service. The bill also updates insurance contracts to reflect these payment standards and establishes guidelines for birth center licensing and operation.
Key provisions
- Establishes equal payment rates for midwife services compared to physician services.
- Updates insurance contracts to guarantee equitable payment for midwife services.
- Requires the Department of Public Health to develop licensing requirements and guidelines for birth centers.
- Mandates consultation with birth center operators, midwifery organizations, and birth outcome improvement groups during licensing development.
- Addresses payment rates for Commonwealth employees receiving insurance services from midwives.
- Expands coverage for midwifery services under Medicaid managed care and accountable care organizations.
- Updates hospital service plans to include midwifery services.
- Requires subscription certificates to provide equitable payment rates for midwife services.
Who is affected
- Birth centers
- Certified nurse-midwives
- Licensed certified professional midwives
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
22 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
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