Revises provisions relating to community health workers. (BDR 38-333)
If enacted, SB117 will impact Nevada's Medicaid State Plan, allowing for reimbursement of services provided by community health workers under a wider range of supervision models. This could lead to an increase in the workforce of community health workers and enhance the availability of healthcare services, especially in rural or underserved communities. Additionally, the bill may contribute to cost savings by improving healthcare access and potentially reducing hospitalizations and emergency care for certain populations who benefit from community health support.
Senate Bill No. 117 aims to revise the provisions related to community health workers by authorizing Medicaid coverage for their services when supervised by certain healthcare providers. This change is crucial as it broadens the range of supervision beyond physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to include other types of healthcare providers. The bill seeks to better integrate community health workers into the healthcare delivery system, acknowledging their essential role in providing support and services to communities, particularly in underserved areas.
Discussions around SB117 reflect a widespread recognition of the importance of community health workers in extending healthcare services. However, points of contention may arise regarding the specific qualifications and training required for community health workers under various supervision models. Some stakeholders might express concerns about maintaining standards of care and ensuring adequate training for community health workers to protect patient safety and service quality. Deliberations in legislative sessions also highlight the balance between expanding access to care and ensuring that these workers provide safe and effective services.