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HB 877

Medicaid; allow reimbursement for services provided to developmentally disabled child by qualified nurse who is guardian of the child.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Roberson

HB 877 would allow Medicaid to reimburse qualified nurses who legally guard developmentally disabled children for care services provided to those children.

Died In Committee
#appropriationsa #medicaid
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Bill Summary · HB 877

Legislative bill overview

HB 877 would allow Medicaid to reimburse qualified nurses who serve as legal guardians for developmentally disabled children for care services they provide to those children. The bill specifically addresses a gap where guardians cannot typically bill Medicaid for their own care work, even when they meet professional nursing qualifications.

Why is this important

Many developmentally disabled children require intensive, specialized care that falls to family members or appointed guardians. This bill attempts to address financial barriers by allowing qualified nurse-guardians to access Medicaid reimbursement for legitimate care work, potentially relieving caregiver burden and ensuring children receive consistent professional care. However, the bill died in committee without advancing.

Potential points of contention

  • Self-dealing concerns: Allowing guardians to bill for services they provide raises questions about conflicts of interest, fraud prevention, and whether rates would be properly audited and controlled
  • Scope and oversight: The bill's vague language about "qualified nurses" and what services qualify for reimbursement could create ambiguity in implementation and inconsistent application across cases
  • Fiscal impact: Expanding Medicaid reimbursement categories increases state spending, and the bill's potential cost to the state budget may have influenced its committee defeat

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

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