HCS HB 87 -- INSURANCE

SPONSOR:  Barry

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 13 to 0.

This substitute requires health insurance plans to provide
coverage for services provided by registered nurse first
assistants.

The substitute defines "registered nurse first assistant."  The
State Board of Nursing is required to specify which professional
nursing organization certifications will be recognized for
registered nurse first assistants and to establish criteria for
use of the title by other registered nurses other than through
certification.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will provide
recognition for this class of skilled nurses who assist a
surgeon during surgery.  This will provide consistency in
insurance reimbursements paid to registered nurse first
assistants who provide medical services.  This classification of
nurses is required to receive additional education and training
before certification can be obtained.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Barry; Missouri
Association of Registered Nurse First Assistants; Missouri
Nurses Association; Missouri AFL-CIO; Dana Keune; Betty
Bossaller; Carol Stinson; and Mary Tebbe.  Written testimony in
support was also submitted to the committee.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it will result in
paying each provider who performs surgical services, thereby
increasing hospital, surgical, and health insurance costs.

Testifying against the bill were United Healthcare Midwest; Blue
Cross/Blue Shield of Missouri; Associated Industries of
Missouri; Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and
Surgeons; and Health Insurance Association of America.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:42 am