In 2023, several healthcare-related laws were passed throughout the U.S., many of which will have a direct impact on hospitals and other healthcare organizations. As we close out the year and look ahead to 2024, here are some of the most important legislation changes to consider.
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, which may help to alleviate ongoing budgetary challenges.
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.
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. While this increase may ultimately require a larger investment in human capital for healthcare organizations, the bill’s proponents are hopeful that higher wages will help to alleviate workforce shortages brought on by the pandemic.
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.
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. Healthcare organizations should still have measures in place to prevent workplace violence to every degree possible, but this additional legal framework could serve as an added layer of protection.
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.
It’s clear that the healthcare industry is experiencing many changes, though one trend that has persisted is the difficulty brought on by workforce shortages. If you’re facing challenges filling NNP roles in your healthcare organization, allow us to assist you. We specialize in expanding the workforce in hospitals and other organizations by filling their openings with qualified professionals. Start your search by scheduling a consultation with Ensearch today.
