Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 2231: An Act establishing peer respites throughout the Commonwealth

By Representatives Sabadosa of Northampton and Davis of Great Barrington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2231) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Leigh Davis that the Department of Mental Health be authorized to establish peer-run respite centers. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes peer-run respite centers under Mental Health, expanding access to mental health services per bill summary and subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 8, 2025

HD 5365: An Act establishing an independent child protection and advocacy agency

HD 5365 establishes the Independent Child Protection and Advocacy Agency (ICPAA) to protect vulnerable children under 18 with disabilities, medical conditions, or special needs who face neglect, abuse, or systemic barriers to care. The agency independently investigates abuse/neglect reports, monitors care providers (including state and private entities), and advocates for children’s rights in legal or educational settings without oversight from other departments. It can impose daily civil penalties of up to $5,000 on agencies failing to cooperate with investigations. The ICPAA operates with confidentiality protections for its records and coordinates with existing child welfare departments like the Department of Children and Families to strengthen oversight.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses systemic barriers to care for children with medical conditions, establishes agency to monitor care providers, and advocates for rights in healthcare settings, improving access for vulnerable populations.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 2498: An Act to address conflicts of interest in the use of temporary nursing agencies at skilled nursing facilities

By Representative Mendes of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2498) of Rita A. Mendes for legislation to further regulate temporary nursing agencies employment at skilled nursing facilities. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates temporary nursing agencies at skilled nursing facilities to address conflicts of interest, improving patient safety and care quality in healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1981: An Act relative to the right to wear personal protective medical equipment

H 1981 would prohibit discrimination against individuals who wear necessary medical protective equipment, such as masks or gloves, for health reasons. It requires businesses, employers, and public accommodations to provide equal access without denying services based solely on the use of such equipment. The bill directly affects people with medical conditions requiring protective gear, including those with respiratory illnesses or allergies. This legislation aims to ensure individuals are not treated unfairly for using medically necessary protective equipment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits discrimination against medical protective equipment users, ensuring equal access for health conditions - directly protects patient rights and access to services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits discrimination against workers using medical protective equipment, protecting their right to workplace access without service denial based on health needs.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 2, 2025

H 598: An Act relative to the promotion of mental health education

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Kilcoyne of Clinton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 598) of Natalie M. Higgins, Meghan K. Kilcoyne and others relative to the promotion of mental health education in public schools. Education.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePromotes mental health education in public schools, directly advancing mental health services as a healthcare component.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 20, 2025

H 2587: An Act establishing a commission on municipal emergency medical service staffing levels and workforce development

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2587) of Marjorie C. Decker for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to municipal emergency medical service staffing levels and workforce development.. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes commission to investigate municipal EMS staffing and workforce development, directly addressing healthcare workforce stability and emergency service quality as part of healthcare delivery system.85% confidence

Tags Public Safety

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 2801: An Act relative to health insurance for surviving spouses

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2801) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to health insurance benefits for certain surviving spouses. Public Service.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands health insurance coverage for surviving spouses, directly advancing healthcare access under insurance benefits as per bill title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 10, 2025

H 3939: An Act relative to music therapy licensure

By Representative Donaghue of Westborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3939) of Kate Donaghue for legislation to establish a board of registration for music therapists. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensure for music therapists (a mental health service), ensuring professional standards and patient safety in healthcare delivery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 15, 2025

H 4601: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects.

This bill, H 4601, is a fiscal year 2025 appropriations measure that allocates specific funds to Massachusetts state agencies and programs. It directly affects state operations by supplementing existing budgets, including $2.05 billion for MassHealth fee-for-service payments, $35 million for housing preservation, $15 million for World Cup event support, and $60.7 million for snow removal services. Key mechanisms include re-appropriating unspent funds from previous years and creating new funding reserves for specific purposes like reproductive health care continuity and substance use disorder treatment facilities. The bill ensures these funds are available through June 2026, supplementing existing appropriations without creating new policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $2.05B for MassHealth, $35M housing preservation, and $60.7M snow removal, directly funding essential public services and supplementing existing budgets.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $2.05B for MassHealth fee-for-service payments, directly funding healthcare coverage under public health programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $35 million specifically for housing preservation, directly funding housing stability efforts per the summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Substance Abuse Women's Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 5, 2026

H 2410: An Act to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents

By Representative Duffy of Holyoke, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2410) of Patricia A. Duffy and others for legislation to expand patient access to oral health care. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to expand patient access to oral health care under public health, directly advancing healthcare access for residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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