Division of Licensing and Certification Presents its Initial Temp Nursing Agency Survey Results

• By: Ben Hawkins
• On: 02/22/2024 19:18:51
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

On Wednesday, February 21, Maine's Division of Licensing and Certification presented the findings from its preliminary Temporary Nurse Agency (TNA) survey results before the Health and Human Services Committee. This survey was in response to MHCA's bill from last session, LD 451. The first official report is expected to be completed in January 2025.

Some Highlights: 

• Survey asked a question of TNAs about the continuation of operations in Maine, given that the law passed an increased registration fee from $25 to $1000. But 63 out of 66 indicated they intend to remain operating in Maine, so this shouldn't be a concern. 
• Figure 6:  Hospitals were the most frequent placement setting. Nursing Homes and AL were second and third, respectively. This will be important to discuss as it relates to misconceptions of the administration that hospitals have decreased their reliance on agency. 
• Figure 9: Reported Avg. for RNs placed in Maine: High $71.40 to a low of $26.38. Maine avg. was $42.00
• Figure 10: Reported Avg. Stipends paid to RNs placed in Maine: $16,676 high; $1048 the low. The timeframe for all stipend questions is not clear- is it payment per year, month or week? Angela will follow up with DLC to see if we can get clarity on how this question was asked. 
• The lowest avg. hourly rate charged to facilities was $26.38/hr and the highest was $94.30/hr for RNs. 
• Figure 12a and b: The difference between the rate charged and paid for RNs is large. In fact, 7 out of 16 of the state's (NY, PA, AR, NE, KS,  NJ, AZ) TNAs listed claim to pay the temporary RN less than half of what the TNA charges the provider- pointing to significant profit margins. 
  • Maine-based TNAs charge providers on average $65 an hour for an RN. The Maine TNAs pays the RN on average $42 an hour. The difference is $23 an hour. 
• Figure 16 displays the charge vs pay difference for LPNs.
  • An LPN who works for a Maine-based TNA would earn the TNA, on average, $52 an hour but only be paid $37 an hour. The difference is $15 an hour. 
• Figure 20 displays the charge vs pay difference for CNAs.
  • A CNA who works for a Maine-based TNA would earn the TNA, on average, $42 an hour but only be paid $30 an hour. The difference is $12 an hour – which is approximately 29% of the total rate charged.

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org