MA S866

Executive Office of Health and Human Services must increase the budget for continuous skilled nursing care to ensure at least 75% of MassHealth-authorized hours are filled by July 1, 2025, 80% by July 1, 2026, and 85% by July 1, 2027

Budget increases may be directed exclusively toward increasing wage payment rates for nurses providing continuous skilled nursing care

MassHealth must submit annual reports by January 1 documenting filled and unfilled nursing hours, appeals received for denial or modification of services, and any reductions in authorized hours

Biennial reports from the Center for Health Information and Analysis must include input from nurses, patients, and families receiving continuous skilled nursing care about their direct care experiences

Office of Medicaid must review and report on wage payment rates established by home health agencies for continuous skilled nursing care providers by March 1, 2027, including analysis by patient acuity level and nurse licensure level