The proposed bill amends various chapters of the General Laws to establish a new section titled "Equal pay for healthcare providers." This legislation mandates that health insurance policies must provide reimbursement for services rendered by licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same rate as those provided by physicians, as long as the services fall within the lawful scope of practice for these healthcare professionals.

The bill specifies that reimbursement for services provided by nurse practitioners or physician assistants in independent practice must match the reimbursement amount paid to physicians for similar services in the same area. It defines "independent practice" as the provision of healthcare services in a setting where the licensed physician assistant or certified nurse practitioner bills insurers using their own name and national provider identifier.

Additionally, the bill states that it does not apply to federally qualified group practice health maintenance organizations or insurers that employ healthcare practitioners on a non-fee-for-service basis. It also requires the executive office of health and human services to apply for any necessary amendments to the state Medicaid plan to implement these changes, with a deadline for submission set for October 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.