H 946 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

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