Healthcare (Public Health)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 20, 2026

S 1544: An Act relative to patient access to certain health care services

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1544) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation relative to interpreters for non-English speaking patient in health care facilities. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates interpreters for non-English speaking patients, directly improving access to healthcare services as defined in the topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 23, 2026

H 2531: An Act relative to physician assistant interstate compact

HD 2345, titled "An Act relative to physician assistant interstate compact," creates a legal framework allowing physician assistants (PAs) licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without obtaining a new license. It establishes a "compact privilege" enabling PAs to provide medical services to patients located in another participating state, with oversight by the state where the patient is physically present during care. Key requirements include holding a current national certification (NCCPA PANCE), passing a criminal background check, and having no serious convictions, while states must share disciplinary information through a centralized data system. This bill directly affects PAs seeking to practice across state lines, patients receiving care in different states, and military families by simplifying licensure for active-duty personnel and spouses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables physician assistants to practice across state lines, improving healthcare access and provider mobility in public health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 2501: An Act relative to LGBTQ+ health disparities

This bill requires Massachusetts state health departments, public schools, and higher education institutions to collect voluntary self-identification data about sexual orientation and gender identity from people aged 16+ when providing services. The data must be aggregated and de-identified to protect privacy, and can only be used to reduce health disparities, improve services, or inform policy decisions. Departments must submit annual reports to the Office of Health Equity, which will compile the data into an annual report for the Legislature. The law aims to better understand and address healthcare inequities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals across state systems.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAddresses LGBTQ+ health disparities through public health initiatives, aiming to improve access and reduce inequities in healthcare services for a vulnerable population.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 28, 2026

H 4298: An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices

By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James J. O'Day relative to the manufacture and sale of toxic-free medical devices. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates toxic-free medical devices under Public Health, directly advancing patient safety and healthcare standards by eliminating harmful substances in medical equipment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 2532: An Act relative to therapeutic psilocybin treatment centers

This bill establishes a 5-site pilot program in Massachusetts for therapeutic psilocybin treatment centers, located across western, central, North Shore, South Shore, and Metro Boston areas. Licensed centers, operated by medical professionals with psilocybin training, must provide supervised treatment in suitable facilities with adequate staff, education, safety protocols, and affordable pricing. The bill grants legal immunity from prosecution or penalties for participants, staff, property owners, and operators of licensed centers, and prohibits searches based solely on entering/exiting such centers. It requires the Department of Public Health to submit annual reports on program data, including participant visits, referrals, and outcomes, starting 18 months after implementation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes pilot program for psilocybin mental health treatment, expanding access to innovative healthcare services under public health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 2437: An Act to eliminate discrimination of incarcerated persons' participation in life saving programs

This bill (HD 3472) removes barriers for incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts to access life-saving organ donation and transplant programs. It requires the Department of Corrections to create procedures allowing inmates 18+ to become living organ donors, receive transplants, or donate bone marrow - including emergency donations for family members. Inmates can submit written requests to facility staff, who must refer them to medical review within three days. The bill also mandates that correctional facilities provide necessary aftercare coordination for these medical procedures, treating facilities like residential settings for continuity of care. It directly affects all incarcerated people in Massachusetts state correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill eliminates discrimination preventing incarcerated persons from accessing life-saving organ transplants (a healthcare service), expanding access to public health programs.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 20, 2026

S 1600: An Act relative to the safety of Autistic and Alzheimer's individuals

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1600) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to the safety of Autistic and Alzheimer's individuals. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill under Public Health subject addresses safety for Autistic/Alzheimer's individuals, implying protective healthcare services for vulnerable populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1550: An Act related to the risk of getting cancer due to the consumption of alcohol

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1550) of John F. Keenan and James B. Eldridge for legislation to require establishments that sell alcoholic beverages to post the risk of cancer due to the consumption of alcohol. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires alcohol establishments to post cancer risk warnings, advancing public health awareness and preventive healthcare measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1632: An Act providing safeguards for home healthcare workers

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1632) of John C. Velis and Michael D. Brady for legislation to provide safeguards for home healthcare workers. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides safeguards for home healthcare workers, directly supporting healthcare workforce protection under Public Health subject, aligning with medical professional safeguards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1532: An Act relative to patient identity and privacy protection in waiting rooms

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1532) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to patient identity and privacy protection in waiting rooms. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly protects patient privacy in healthcare waiting rooms, directly supporting patient rights under healthcare policies as defined in the topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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