Healthcare (Public Health)

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 2529: An Act to create equitable approaches to public health

This bill creates a state grant program administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to fund community-based organizations that provide non-law-enforcement responses to certain 911 calls and non-emergency situations. It directly affects local governments, community organizations, and residents by supporting alternatives to police involvement for mental health crises, violence prevention, and social service referrals. Key provisions include requiring competitive grants for partnerships between local governments and community groups, mandating evaluation of outcomes like reduced police calls and improved service access, and prohibiting grant funds from going to law enforcement agencies. The program also requires community stakeholder boards and detailed application requirements focused on service planning, community engagement, and data collection.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes equitable public health grant program, advancing access and funding for health services per title/summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1490: An Act relative to modernizing the regulation of clinical laboratories

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1490) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to modernize the regulation of clinical laboratories. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareModernizes clinical lab regulations to improve public health infrastructure and service delivery, aligning with healthcare strengthening indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 29, 2025

H 2557: An Act relative to requiring trauma kits in public buildings

HD 83, titled "The Massachusetts Trauma Response Preparedness Act," requires all public buildings (including schools, libraries, town halls, and venues with 300+ capacity) to maintain accessible trauma kits and trained staff. The kits must contain tourniquets, gauze, gloves, and training materials aligned with American College of Surgeons standards, while buildings must have a certified "Trauma Kit Designee" on staff at all times. It allows shared storage for trauma kits and AEDs (defibrillators) and provides liability protection for good-faith first aid attempts during emergencies. The bill also enables municipalities to fund these kits using Community Preservation Funds. This directly affects public facilities and ensures immediate response capability for life-threatening bleeding incidents.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires trauma kits in public buildings to improve emergency medical response under public health initiatives, advancing public health access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1586: An Act relative to smoking cessation agents

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1586) of Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to smoking cessation agents. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes smoking cessation agents, a public health measure directly improving health outcomes and access to preventive care within healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 5, 2026

H 2401: An Act providing for safe and consensual sensitive examinations

This bill requires healthcare providers to obtain written consent for sensitive examinations (like pelvic or prostate exams) on unconscious or heavily sedated patients, except in emergencies. It guarantees patients the right to request a medical chaperone during such exams, with healthcare organizations encouraged to provide a chaperone matching the patient’s gender identity. Providers must inform patients about this right before exams and use standardized consent forms that explicitly mention the chaperone option. The law applies to all healthcare organizations and providers performing sensitive exams, aiming to ensure patient autonomy and safety during these procedures.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates safe, consensual examinations under Public Health, protecting patient rights and aligning with healthcare safety standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1479: An Act to clarify prescription monitoring program activities

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1479) of William N. Brownsberger and Julian Cyr for legislation to clarify prescription monitoring program activities. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies prescription monitoring program to prevent misuse, strengthening public health initiatives within healthcare policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1615: An Act to improve health care coordination and safe discharge

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1615) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to improve patient health care coordination and provide a clear discharge plan. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly improves healthcare coordination and safe discharge planning, directly advancing patient care continuity and reducing preventable errors per Public Health focus.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1637: An Act wiring medical facilities, nursing homes, and medical training to support safer electromagnetic radiation exposures and to support reduction of other environmental hazards

By Mr. Velis (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1637) of Kirstin Beatty, for legislation to require medical facilities and nursing homes to support safer electromagnetic radiation exposures and to support reduction of other environmental hazards through facility wiring and training. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates safer electromagnetic radiation standards in medical facilities/nursing homes, directly enhancing healthcare environment safety and public health protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 24, 2026

S 1606: An Act requiring AEDs in clubs and fraternal organizations

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1606) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to require AEDs in clubs and fraternal organizations and that mandatory training be provided to all staff and members. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires AEDs and mandatory training in public venues for cardiac emergencies, advancing public health safety protocols under explicit Public Health designation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1634: An Act ensuring access to medical records

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1634) of John C. Velis for legislation to ensure access medical records by not allowing a separate fee to be charged for the transmission of data. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes fees for medical record transmission, directly improving patient access to health data per Public Health focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track