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Bill

Bill

SD 1899

An Act ensuring temporary nursing service agency quality

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Massachusetts bill establishing quality and regulatory standards for temporary nursing service agencies to improve patient safety and worker protections in healthcare staffing.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1899

Legislative bill overview

SD 1899 establishes quality standards and regulatory requirements for temporary nursing service agencies operating in Massachusetts. The bill aims to ensure that staffing agencies meet specific criteria for nurse qualifications, worker protections, and service delivery standards.

Why is this important

Healthcare facilities rely heavily on temporary nursing staff to fill shifts and manage staffing gaps, making agency quality directly relevant to patient safety and care continuity. Poor agency practices can result in inadequately trained or vetted nurses being placed in clinical settings, creating liability for hospitals and risks for patients.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden and cost: Agencies may face increased compliance costs, which could reduce their profitability and potentially limit service availability or increase costs to healthcare facilities
  • Definition and enforcement scope: The bill's effectiveness depends on clear definitions of what constitutes "temporary" nursing services and how rigorously state agencies can monitor and enforce compliance
  • Labor market impact: Stricter requirements could reduce the number of available temporary positions or create barriers for nurses seeking flexible work arrangements through agencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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