Hawaii and Rhode Island advance breast cancer screening legislation. Missouri and Tennessee hold hearings on legislation expanding scope of practice for physician assistants (PAs) and assistant physicians.
Breast Cancer Screening
In Hawaii, the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce passed House Bill . If enacted, the bill would require carriers to cover mandated services for mammography at least as favorably as coverage for other radiological examinations. Its Senate companion bill, Senate Bill , passed its respective health committee.
The Hawaii Radiological Society supports both bills.
In Rhode Island, was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee. If passed, the bill would require carriers to cover breast ultrasound screenings, breast MRI exams and/or digital breast tomosynthesis screenings for enrollees who receive notice of having dense breast tissue.
The Rhode Island Radiological Society submitted and supports the bill.
Out-of-Network Billing
In Massachusetts, was referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. If enacted, carriers would be required to pay the noncontracted commercial rate for emergency services to out-of-network healthcare providers. The rate would be calculated by the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis.
Scope of Practice
In Hawaii, the Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee passed . If enacted, the bill would expand the definition of a patient’s provider to include PAs.
The Hawaii Radiological Society is monitoring the bill.
In Missouri, had a second reading on the House floor. The bill seeks to permit an assistant physician to become eligible as a licensed physician if the assistant physician completes:
- Step three of the United States Medical Licensing Examination.
- 60 months of cumulative collaborative practice.
- 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years.
The Missouri Radiological Society is monitoring the measure.
In Tennessee, will be heard before the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Labor. Its sponsors seek to permit advanced practice registered nurses to plan and initiate a therapeutic regimen that includes ordering and prescribing non-pharmacological interventions, including durable medical equipment, medical devices, and diagnostic services.
The Tennessee Radiological Society is working with the Tennessee Collaborative Care Coalition to oppose the bill.
For more information about these bills or any other state legislative issue, contact Tina Getachew, Government Affairs Specialist.
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