Requires the state and private health insurers to reimburse claims for healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same amount as the reimbursement paid to a physician performing the service in the area served.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Equal Pay for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants

This bill would require health insurance companies — including both private insurers and state-funded health programs — to pay nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) the same amount as medical doctors when they perform the same healthcare services. Currently, insurers often reimburse NPs and PAs at lower rates than physicians, even when they provide identical care. This bill would eliminate that pay difference.

The bill affects several groups of people. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants would directly benefit by receiving equal payment for their work. Health insurance companies would need to update their payment systems and policies to comply. Patients could also be impacted, since some supporters of similar laws argue that equal reimbursement encourages more NPs and PAs to practice in underserved areas, potentially expanding access to care — though this is an ongoing debate.

It is worth noting that the bill is still in its early stages. It has been referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, where it has been scheduled for a hearing and recommended to be held for further study, meaning lawmakers have not yet moved it forward for a full vote.

--- *This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not represent a political endorsement or opposition to the bill.*