This bill redefines and improves quality standards for nursing care provided to Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly those with complex medical needs requiring round-the-clock care. The legislation changes the term "private duty nursing services" to "continuous skilled nursing services" and requires that patients needing multiple hours of nursing care daily be served by licensed nurses such as registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish national quality standards by convening a working group of providers, patients, state officials, and advocacy groups within 180 days, with final standards published within one year. States and managed care entities will then use these standards to guide their Medicaid programs, and the quality measures must be reviewed and updated at least every eight years. Most provisions take effect 18 months after the bill's enactment, ensuring states and providers have time to implement the new requirements.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.