B.__In establishing rates for a nursing staff agency pursuant to this section, the department shall ensure that the portion of the rate attributable to wages and benefits does not exceed the prevailing wages and benefits allowed for permanent medical personnel of the same type at such health care facilities.__The department shall also take into consideration the reasonable administrative expenses and an allowance that provides a reasonable return on equity.__For the purpose of establishing the rates, the department shall establish procedures by which a nursing staff agency submits accountable cost reports, which may be subject to audit, to the department.__The department shall establish interim rates for nursing staff agencies until such time as these reports are complete and permanent rates are established by rule.

4.__Rules.__Rules adopted by the department pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a process for registration and rate setting for agencies that provide nursing staff to health care facilities and assisted living facilities.