This bill aims to enhance access to nurse-midwifery services by ensuring that certified nurse-midwives are compensated equally to physicians for services rendered. It amends several chapters of the General Laws, including Chapter 32A, Chapter 175, Chapter 176A, Chapter 176B, and Chapter 176G, to establish that the payment rate for services provided by certified nurse-midwives will be equivalent to that of physicians for the same services. Specifically, it mandates that any active or retired employee of the commonwealth insured under the group insurance commission will receive coverage for these services, and that reimbursement rates for nurse-midwives will not be less than those for licensed physicians.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that insurers cannot reduce the reimbursement paid to licensed physicians in order to comply with these provisions, thereby ensuring that the financial structure remains intact for both nurse-midwives and physicians. This legislative change is designed to promote the use of nurse-midwifery services, thereby increasing access to care for individuals in the commonwealth.

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