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Committee backs bill to register on‑demand healthcare staffing platforms for licensed professions
Summary
Senate Bill 228 would allow medical facilities to post temporary shifts on staffing platforms and require a light registration and recordkeeping step at the Department of Commerce so platforms can verify that professionals are licensed. The committee favorably recommended the bill 5‑0 after supporters said it preserves staffing options for health
The Senate Business and Labor Standing Committee unanimously recommended Senate Bill 228, a proposal to recognize and lightly regulate digital staffing platforms that connect licensed healthcare professionals with short‑term shifts.
Senator Fillmore described the platforms — he used the example of an app that restaurants use to fill short shifts — and said many states have taken actions to restrict platform use in certain regulated professions. The bill creates a registration mechanism at the Department of Commerce and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to ensure platforms maintain records that practitioners are properly licensed when the industry is regulated.
Supporters said the measure preserves access to a flexible labor pool for acute staffing needs in medical offices and hospitals and is intentionally low‑burden: platforms would register and keep records so facilities can confirm credentials when they rapidly engage an independent nurse or licensed clinician. Kerry Bridal, representing the Healthcare Marketplace Coalition, told the committee the bill “ensures that independent nurses can continue to operate” and helps maintain “a free‑market option” for facilities needing to fill shifts.
After limited committee questions and a short public comment period without opponents, Senator Kaye moved to favorably recommend the bill. The committee approved the motion 5‑0.
