Healthcare (Public Health)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1500: An Act relative to health care transparency

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1500) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to health care transparency. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates healthcare transparency to improve patient access and informed decision-making, aligning with support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2514: An Act relative to the definition of disclosure, apology and early offer programs

This bill defines and establishes "Communication, Apology and Resolution programs" (CARe/CRP) for healthcare providers. It requires physicians or healthcare organizations to investigate unanticipated adverse outcomes, provide full disclosure to patients/families, and offer sincere apologies or fair compensation for avoidable injuries without litigation. The bill exempts settlements or resolutions through these programs from being reported as claims to the medical board, unless substandard care is determined. Insurers must still report other claims within 30 days, including details like physician information, claim nature, and settlement amounts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill defines disclosure/apology programs for healthcare adverse outcomes, promoting transparency and patient rights under Public Health, aligning with patient protection indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 2, 2025

H 1410: An Act relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers

This bill establishes a new state loan repayment program for healthcare workers at community health centers in Massachusetts. It directly affects primary care physicians, mental health professionals (including community health workers and recovery coaches), and other staff who work at these centers and have student loan debt. The program requires participants to commit to four years of service, prioritizes culturally diverse recruitment, and is funded through an existing state reserve established in 2021. Eligible individuals must not participate in other loan repayment programs and will receive pro-rated assistance based on their work schedule. The program aims to strengthen recruitment and retention of healthcare staff at community health centers statewide.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes loan forgiveness program for primary care physicians at community health centers, directly funding workforce development to improve access to care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 2389: An Act relative to protecting public health and reducing health care costs

HD 2146 requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health to create a mandatory assessment tool within 12 months. This tool quantifies health impacts (like asthma, hospital visits, and premature death) and associated costs or savings from energy-related emissions (e.g., pollution from power plants) and energy efficiency/renewable energy benefits. It specifically analyzes effects on environmental justice communities, MassHealth, community hospitals, and state budgets. Starting 24 months after the law takes effect, all new state energy, transportation, or waste policies must explicitly factor in the tool's health cost analysis before adoption.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly cites benefits of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation to address emissions and health costs from grid electricity/fuels.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reduces emissions linked to health impacts, directly advancing environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to protect public health through emissions reduction and energy efficiency, directly aligning with healthcare policy goals of improving population health outcomes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 4, 2025

S 1576: An Act relative to culturally competent and effective health care

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1576) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to culturally competent and effective health care. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes culturally competent healthcare to improve patient access and care quality, aligning with support indicators like enhancing service effectiveness.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 8, 2026

H 2378: An Act to increase patient access to certain health care services

This bill amends definitions in Massachusetts health care law to clarify when health care facilities must seek department approval before making significant service changes. It defines "substantial change in services" for hospitals and other facilities (like nursing homes), requiring review for expansions, conversions to new services (e.g., psychiatric care), or increases in bed capacity over 12 beds. The bill explicitly excludes facilities relying solely on spiritual healing through prayer, ambulatory surgical centers, and routine outpatient services from these requirements. It aims to streamline patient access to new services by establishing clear criteria for when regulatory review is needed, directly affecting hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities planning service expansions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill title explicitly states 'increase patient access to certain health care services,' directly aligning with 'improves patient access' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 22, 2026

H 2370: An Act prioritizing patient access to care

HD 2651 modifies Massachusetts abortion law by removing specific medical justification requirements. It replaces the previous list of permitted circumstances (e.g., preserving life, health, or fetal anomalies) with a standard allowing abortions "based upon the professional judgment of the physician." The bill also eliminates a requirement for physicians to independently review cases involving pregnancies over 24 weeks and deletes language about "determinations" related to those cases. This change directly affects patients seeking abortions and physicians performing them by broadening the legal basis for the procedure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly prioritizes patient access to care, directly advancing healthcare access for pregnant individuals under public health framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1505: An Act relative to LGBTQ+ health disparities

This bill (S 1505) aims to address health disparities affecting LGBTQ+ individuals in Massachusetts. The official abstract states it seeks to advance "LGBTQ health equity" under Public Health, but the provided context does not include specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected groups beyond this general goal. No concrete policy changes, funding details, or implementation methods are described in the available information. Therefore, a detailed summary of the bill's specific actions cannot be provided based on the given abstract alone.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAddresses LGBTQ+ health disparities to improve access and equity in healthcare services, aligning with strengthening patient access and health equity goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1481: An Act providing for consumer access to and the right to practice complementary and alternative health care services

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1481) of Nick Collins for legislation to provide for consumer access to and the right to practice complementary and alternative health care services. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly grants consumers access to and practitioners' rights for complementary/alternative health services, expanding healthcare options under Public Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 16, 2025

H 2399: An Act to improve access to health care for people with Long COVID

This bill establishes a state-funded pilot program to improve healthcare access for Massachusetts residents diagnosed with Long COVID. It requires the health department to create a culturally-specific patient navigation program aligned with the National Academies' Long COVID definition, focusing on reducing barriers to treatment and connecting patients to clinical care, specialists, insurance support, and nonmedical services like housing or transportation assistance. The program includes data collection, needs assessments, and navigation for both medical and social needs, with provisions for reimbursement of navigator services. A consumer advisory board of Long COVID patients and healthcare providers must guide the program's development, and the department must report to the legislature within one year on the pilot's results and potential for expansion.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve healthcare access for Long COVID patients, directly aligning with support indicators like enhanced patient access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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