Legislation supported by the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts that would direct the Department of Public Health (DPH) to amend existing regulations to include home health and hospice has advanced to the Senate Committee on Health Care Financing. If enacted, the bill would extend current regulatory limits on temporary nurse staffing contracts to home health and hospice providers.

Supporters view this measure as an important step to address the growing reliance on temporary nurse staffing agencies and to protect home health and hospice providers from excessive and unsustainable contract terms.

In a fee-for-service reimbursement environment, escalating staffing costs threaten provider stability and access to care. By applying existing regulatory caps to home health and hospice, the legislation aims to promote fair contracting practices and help preserve the financial viability of agencies delivering care in the home.