Measuring variations in nursing care per DRG.

A state nurses' association, a state department of health and a consulting agency collaborate annually in a special nursing study to develop appropriate measures of the relative variation in nursing care associated with each DRG. This activity provides a mechanism for professional nurses and the nursing profession to have direct input into a state's reimbursement methodology. This methodology is unique in the nation and may serve as an important prototype for nurses in other states who are seeking recognition of nursing care and services in the DRG reimbursement system.