Healthcare (Public Health)

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2457: An Act relative to fentanyl testing

This bill requires general acute care hospitals in Massachusetts to include fentanyl testing in standard urine drug screenings when treating patients for diagnosis. It directly affects hospitals that conduct such screenings, mandating they test for fentanyl alongside other drugs like opioids and cocaine. The key provision specifies that "urine drug screening" must now include fentanyl, with the Department of Public Health authorized to create necessary regulations for implementation. This policy change aims to improve detection of fentanyl exposure in medical settings without altering existing screening protocols for other substances.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires fentanyl testing in hospital urine screenings under Public Health, enhancing opioid crisis response and patient safety protocols in healthcare settings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2502: An Act to clarify prescription monitoring program activities

HD 2220 requires the state's prescription monitoring program to exclude testosterone from its tracking system and delete all existing data on testosterone prescriptions. This means healthcare providers no longer need to report testosterone prescriptions to the program, and historical records of such prescriptions will be removed immediately upon the bill's passage. The bill directly affects prescribers (like doctors) and pharmacies that handle testosterone, which is commonly used for hormone therapy. The change applies specifically to testosterone, not other medications, and takes effect right away without requiring additional approval.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies prescription monitoring programs to strengthen public health initiatives against drug abuse, aligning with healthcare support indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2509: An Act relative to the availability of prescription medication during an emergency

HD 2609 requires Massachusetts to create a statewide plan ensuring prescription medication access during a governor-declared emergency. The plan mandates early refills when patients have less than 10 days' supply left (with pharmacist prescriber confirmation), grants medication delivery vehicles equal road access as emergency vehicles, and coordinates pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to avoid supply chain duplication. It also establishes a safety net with a toll-free hotline and website to help residents locate medications if local supplies run out. This bill directly affects patients relying on prescriptions during crises, pharmacies, and emergency response systems. The plan becomes active during declared emergencies under state law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures prescription medication availability during emergencies, directly improving patient access to critical healthcare services under Public Health jurisdiction.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 1504: An Act to protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill targets PFAS chemicals linked to environmental contamination and public health risks, directly advancing pollution control and environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly targets PFAS exposure to protect public health, advancing healthcare protection initiatives through environmental safety measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 2, 2025

S 1501: An Act to update postural screenings in schools

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1501) of Julian Cyr and Michael O. Moore for legislation to update postural screenings in schools. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpdates school postural screenings as a public health preventive measure, advancing healthcare access and early intervention services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2468: An Act for healthy kids, healthy futures

HD 3609 bans advertising of non-compliant beverages (drinks not meeting USDA nutrition standards under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act) at all school properties, including buildings, fields, vending machines, and uniforms, and prohibits school-based incentives tied to purchasing such drinks. It also requires chain restaurants (20+ locations) to display clear warnings on menus for items exceeding daily added sugar limits, using a specific icon and text explanation. The bill mandates media literacy education in schools (grades 3-12) to help students analyze advertising for food, beverages, and other products. These provisions directly affect school districts, students, and chain restaurants operating in Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates media literacy curriculum in schools, directly enhancing educational content and critical thinking skills per its summary.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates sugary drinks in schools and mandates nutritional info, directly promoting public health through preventive measures95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 16, 2025

H 2400: An Act measuring the impact of Long COVID in the Commonwealth

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to establish a standardized definition for Long COVID (PASC) aligned with national guidelines. It mandates the department to develop a case report form collecting specific patient data - including gender, race, symptoms, infection dates, and diagnosis details - and begin active monitoring of Long COVID cases six months after the law takes effect. The department must publish annual public reports on surveillance findings and submit a detailed progress report to state legislators within one year. This directly affects the state health department's operations and all Massachusetts residents diagnosed with Long COVID through the data collection process.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill measures Long COVID impact under Public Health, advancing data collection for healthcare policy decisions95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 2526: An Act relative to the provision and administration of bronchodilators, spacers, and nebulizers in schools

HD 1176 allows Massachusetts schools to maintain emergency asthma medication supplies (bronchodilators, spacers, nebulizers) for students with asthma. It requires schools to have an asthma action plan from a healthcare provider and written parental permission for each student using the medication. Trained school staff (not just nurses), called "designated unlicensed assistive personnel," can administer the medication under a school nurse's direction, following specific safety protocols. The bill also mandates annual reporting on medication use and provides legal immunity for school staff who follow its procedures, protecting them from liability in good-faith emergency situations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates provision of respiratory medical devices in schools, improving student access to essential health services for conditions like asthma under public health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 30, 2026

H 2396: An Act relative to safe patient handling and mobility in certain health facilities

This bill requires hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities to replace manual patient lifting with equipment-based handling by December 1, 2025. It mandates facilities to form committees (with at least half non-managerial staff) within six months, conduct ergonomic evaluations in all patient care areas, and implement written policies using mechanical lifts, transfer aids, and motorized beds. Facilities must train all direct caregivers on safe techniques and equipment, minimizing manual lifting except in emergencies. The policy directly affects healthcare workers and patients in these facilities by reducing injury risks during transfers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates safe patient handling protocols in health facilities, directly improving patient safety and care quality under public health initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate May 26, 2026

S 1497: An Act protecting patient safety regarding non-FDA approved drugs

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1497) of John J. Cronin for legislation to protect patient safety regarding non-FDA approved drugs. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly protects patient safety regarding non-FDA drugs under Public Health, advancing patient rights and safety in healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track