The Massachusetts attorney general issued an advisory March 29 reminding temporary nursing agencies about the maximum rates they can charge long-term care facilities.
The advisory came after the attorney general's office received multiple allegations of some temporary nurse staffing agencies attempting to overcharge facilities by demanding additional fees or entering misleading arrangements.
Agencies are reminded that all rates charged must be consistent with Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services rules and regulations. Potential violations the office has been alerted to include:
- Claiming the maximum rates have been suspended due to COVID-19 when they have not.
- Attempting to improperly classify employees as travel nurses or fixed-term employees.
- Demanding an additional fee for a temporary nursing agency employee to pick up a shift, often shortly before a shift begins, which is commonly referred to as a "pickup bonus."
- Proposing rates in excess of the maximum rate during inclement weather.