OLYMPIA – A bill to increase pay for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) has passed the State House of Representatives. Sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, House Bill 1430 will increase reimbursement to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs), bringing them in line with reimbursement rates for physicians for the same services.
“For years, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants were reimbursed at the same rate as physicians,” said Simmons. “For some unknown reason, this was reduced to 85 percent reimbursement in 2013. We need to correct that.”
APRNs include Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives. ANRPs and PAs provide a low-cost way for people to get their basic healthcare needs met.
“We are facing a health care and provider crisis. These professionals deserve respect for the services they provide,” continued Simmons. “They are a vital part of our health care system and allow many people to affordably access care in a timely manner. We need to make sure they are reimbursed at an appropriate rate.”
House Bill 1430 passed the House with a vote of 60-36 and will now be considered by the Senate. The 105-day session is scheduled to end on April 27.