An Act assessing healthcare access

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to conduct a comprehensive study on access to essential health services provided by acute care and psychiatric hospitals across the state. The study will analyze current hospital capacity, review past service discontinuations and closures since 1992, and assess financial factors like reimbursement rates that might lead to future cuts. It will also project regional needs for the next decade, examine how other states handle similar issues, and offer policy recommendations to ensure continued access to critical care. Ultimately, the legislation aims to gather data and propose solutions to prevent gaps in healthcare availability for Massachusetts residents.