An Act to increase access to lactation care and services
This bill creates a new license for lactation care providers in Massachusetts to expand access to breastfeeding support. It establishes a new board of allied health professions that includes representatives from various health fields, including the new lactation care providers. To become licensed, individuals must prove good moral character and hold current certification from an accredited program, without needing to pass a separate state exam. The law also adds specific definitions for terms like "lactation care and services" and "breastfeeding equipment" to the state's health codes. These changes allow more people to legally offer professional lactation assistance, while ensuring they meet established national standards for training.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action May 30, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Christine Barber
DDemocratic
Co
Carmine Gentile
DDemocratic
Co
Lindsay Sabadosa
DDemocratic
Co
Natalie Higgins
DDemocratic
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