Requesting The Director Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Amend Title 12, Chapter 15, Hawaii Administrative Rules, To Clarify That Compensation For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Under The State's Workers' Compensation Law Is Distinct From Compensation For Registered Nurses And Shall Be One Hundred Percent Of The Fees Authorized Under The Medicare Fee Schedule.
Impact
If HR66 is enacted, it will ensure that APRNs are recognized as separate entities from registered nurses within the context of workers' compensation. Currently, the existing rules may cause confusion regarding the applicable fees for APRNs, as they are not distinctly outlined. The proposed changes aim to eliminate any ambiguity, establishing that APRNs are entitled to the full Medicare reimbursement rates applicable to their services, thus recognizing their status as primary care providers within the healthcare system in Hawaii.
Summary
House Resolution 66, introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature, 2024 of Hawaii, requests the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations to amend Title 12, Chapter 15 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules. The purpose of the amendment is to clarify the compensation structure for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) under the State's Workers' Compensation Law. The bill emphasizes that APRNs, who function with a broader scope of practice compared to traditional registered nurses, should receive compensation that aligns with their distinct roles, specifically one hundred percent of the fees permitted under the Medicare Fee Schedule.
Contention
While the bill has potential benefits in terms of equitable compensation for APRNs, debates may arise regarding implications for budget allocations within the workers' compensation system. Stakeholders may discuss the financial impact of the proposed amendments on the overall funding for workers' compensation claims and provider reimbursements. Furthermore, some groups may advocate that such changes could lead to increased costs or create disparities in treatment and compensation among various types of healthcare practitioners.
Overall_importance
Overall, HR66 reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the recognition and compensation of advanced practice registered nurses in Hawaii, aligning their reimbursement structure with their qualifications and the essential role they play in patient care. Successful passage of this resolution would signify a commitment to adequately support and retain APRNs, particularly in the context of an evolving healthcare landscape where their roles are increasingly critical.
Same As
Requesting The Director Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Amend Title 12, Chapter 15, Hawaii Administrative Rules, To Clarify That Compensation For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Under The State's Workers' Compensation Law Is Distinct From Compensation For Registered Nurses And Shall Be One Hundred Percent Of The Fees Authorized Under The Medicare Fee Schedule.
Requesting The Director Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Amend Title 12, Chapter 15, Hawaii Administrative Rules, To Clarify That Compensation For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Under The State's Workers' Compensation Law Is Distinct From Compensation For Registered Nurses And Shall Be One Hundred Percent Of The Fees Authorized Under The Medicare Fee Schedule.