S 691 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to increase access to lactation care and services

This bill establishes a new licensure pathway for lactation care providers in Massachusetts, allowing them to practice independently without needing to be certified as physical therapists or athletic trainers. To qualify for a license, applicants must hold current certification from a nationally recognized accrediting agency and demonstrate good moral character. The legislation also creates a specific seat on the Board of Allied Health Professions for a licensed lactation care provider and adds new definitions to state law to clarify what constitutes lactation care and services. By integrating lactation care into the existing allied health regulatory framework, the bill aims to increase access to professional breastfeeding support across the state.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Mar 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 9, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Mar 11, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors