Several healthcare-related laws were passed throughout the U.S., some of which could affect your role as an NNP. As 2023 draws to a close and we look ahead to 2024, here are some recently proposed or passed legislative changes that all healthcare professionals should be aware of.
Legislation Passed in 2023
Senate Bill 5103
Washington State passed Senate Bill 5103 in May, which will require the state to pay more for Medicaid patients who are difficult to discharge from hospitals. This bill aims to minimize the financial responsibility on private payers by reimbursing medical facilities adequately.
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Public Law 117-328) provided government funding to federal agencies and brought changes to several health care rules. Federal funding increased for the Department of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others. The proposed 4.5% Medicare reimbursement pay cut physicians were initially anticipating was reduced to 2% for 2023 and roughly 3% for 2024. Several public health emergency flexibilities were also extended through 2024, including allowing telehealth in non-rural locations and audio-only telehealth, among others. While NNPs typically provide care in traditional settings, these changes could impact how other healthcare professionals provide their services.
Increased Minimum Wage in CA
The minimum wage for healthcare workers was increased to $25 in California this year. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 525 into law, which will commence on June 1, 2025. The bill’s proponents are hopeful that higher wages will help to alleviate workforce shortages brought on by the pandemic. While the change is unlikely to directly affect nurses and other degree-holding medical professionals, such legislation could pave the way for a future of fair compensation across the healthcare industry.
Updates to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Washington State enacted Senate Bill 5499 this year, allowing the state to join the NLC. This facilitates the movement of licensed nurses without being subject to state licensing barriers. As of October 2023, 41 states and two U.S. territories have joined the NLC, while seven states have pending legislation. If you’re located in or around the Washington area, this update could open up new travel work opportunities for you, including the ability to take on locum assignments in the state even if you don’t reside there.
Legislation Introduced in 2023
While the following legislation was only introduced this year, these pending laws represent key developments to watch through 2024.
Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act
This bipartisan legislation was introduced in September to create stronger legal repercussions for individuals who intentionally assault or intimidate healthcare employees. The SAVE Act is intended to create safer work environments for healthcare professionals and would introduce new criminal penalties, making assault against healthcare workers a federal crime. Nearly 40 states have already passed similar laws to increase penalties at the state level, and the bill has won the support from several prominent healthcare associations. No healthcare professional should feel endangered in their work environment, and this law would help to ensure your safety, especially when coupled with internal measures established by your healthcare organization.
Value in Healthcare Act
The Value in Health Care Act was introduced to change the parameters of Medicare’s Alternative Payment Models (APMs) and incentivize participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO), thereby improving services for seniors and their families. Hundreds of healthcare organizations have voiced their support for the legislation.
Pharmacists’ Status as Providers
The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act was introduced in the Senate in May. This law would designate pharmacists as eligible providers of services for Medicare Part B beneficiaries in underserved areas or those experiencing shortages of healthcare providers. Opponents such as the American College of Physicians have expressed concerns over expanding pharmacists’ roles beyond dispensing medicine, stating that such a change could undermine physician-led and team-based care models proven to be effective for patient health.
MOMMIES Act
In October, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Senator Corey Booker reintroduced the Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services (MOMMIES) Act. The goal of the legislation is to improve maternal health outcomes, lower rising maternal mortality rates, and address disparities that increase risk for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities by expanding coverage for pregnant people with Medicaid.
Several of the legislative changes listed here have been made with the goal of improving quality of life for healthcare workers. Finding the right work/life balance for you is another important component of being satisfied in your career. Ensearch can help you find the right fit in an employer. As specialists who work exclusively with NNPs and their employers, we have an excellent track record in helping hundreds of our candidates land their dream jobs. Get started with our free career consultation today.
