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 any active or retired employee of the commonwealth, as well as individual and group subscribers, will receive coverage for services provided by certified nurse-midwives. Specifically, the payment rate for these services will be equal to that of the same service performed by a physician, thereby promoting parity in reimbursement rates.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that prevent insurers from reducing the reimbursement rates paid to licensed physicians in order to comply with the new requirements for nurse-midwives. This ensures that the financial implications of the bill do not negatively impact physician reimbursements. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the availability and recognition of nurse-midwifery services within the healthcare system, thereby benefiting both providers and patients.

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