Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4134: An Act promoting infection prevention and privacy for residents of nursing homes

By Representative Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 795) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco relative to single-occupancy rooms in nursing homes. Elder Affairs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePromotes infection prevention and privacy for nursing home residents, advancing patient safety and rights in healthcare settings.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3397: An Act to Modernize the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Program

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 163) of David M. Rogers relative to the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Program. Cannabis Policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareModernizing medical marijuana program improves patient access to healthcare services for qualifying conditions, aligning with healthcare access indicators.90% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2790: An Act relative to supporting parents in recovery from substance use disorder and enhancing child welfare

HD 2790 requires Massachusetts' Department of Children and Families to create action plans for parents with substance use disorder, allowing parents to help design these plans and listing available resources. It mandates objective standards in plans to gradually increase restricted parenting time and permits recovery coaches or licensed counselors to attend department meetings. The bill also requires the department to provide family counseling after six months of maintained recovery (if appropriate for the child's best interests) and to train staff using input from recovery professionals and medical experts. This directly affects parents in child welfare cases seeking to maintain or regain parenting rights while addressing substance use.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates family counseling after recovery and involves recovery coaches/counselors, directly supporting mental health services within healthcare context.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2965: An Act providing prescription drug cost reimbursements to elderly governmental retirees

By Representative Silvia of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2965) of Alan Silvia relative to providing prescription drug cost reimbursements to certain retirees. Public Service.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides prescription drug cost reimbursements to elderly retirees, directly expanding access to medications and reducing financial barriers for a vulnerable group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1492: An Act relative to newborn infant safe sleep practices

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1492) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to provide written materials on safe sleep practices at the time of infant’s discharge from the hospital. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides written safe sleep materials at hospital discharge, improving infant health education and public health program access per Public Health subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2589: An Act relative to increasing access to epinephrine

This bill allows authorized entities like schools, restaurants, camps, and sports facilities to stock epinephrine autoinjectors for emergencies. It requires trained staff (who complete approved courses) to manage and administer the devices when someone shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, regardless of prior diagnosis. The law provides legal immunity for good-faith use, except in cases of gross negligence. Entities must report incidents to the public health department, which will publish annual summary reports.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases emergency access to epinephrine in public venues, improving patient safety and public health response for severe allergic reactions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4191: An Act to protect correctional officers

HD 4191 increases penalties for assaulting correctional officers and other facility staff, requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence for such assaults. It also creates new workplace protections for workers exposed to synthetic cannabinoids (K2/Spice) during their jobs, including correctional officers, first responders, and healthcare workers. Affected employees can now access medical leave under Massachusetts law, workers' compensation, and continued health insurance during recovery. The bill requires them to use other short-term disability benefits first before accessing the new medical leave benefits.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for assaulting correctional officers and provides workplace protections, directly strengthening corrections staff safety within the criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures healthcare workers maintain health insurance during recovery from work-related exposure, protecting access to care.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides medical leave, workers' comp, and health insurance for workers exposed to workplace hazards (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids), strengthening employment protections and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Paid Leave

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 7, 2025

H 4358: An Act relative to wheelchair repair requirements and consumer protection

This bill requires authorized wheelchair dealers to provide timely repairs for wheelchairs, including complex rehabilitation technology wheelchairs, within 10 business days of a request (excluding time spent waiting for insurance authorization). It mandates dealers to maintain accessible contact methods for repair requests and respond within one business day. The bill also prohibits insurers from requiring preauthorization for repairs unless the original wheelchair prescription is over five years old, directly affecting consumers, dealers, and health insurers. Violations could result in double damages plus legal fees for affected consumers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates timely wheelchair repairs and limits insurer preauthorization barriers, improving patient access to essential medical devices and protecting consumer rights in healthcare services.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 4, 2025

S 1545: An Act relative to APOL1 mediated kidney disease

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1545) of Adam Gomez and Homar Gómez for legislation relative to APOL1 mediated kidney disease. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses APOL1 kidney disease under Public Health, advancing targeted healthcare initiatives for a specific medical condition with no opposing language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1543: An Act to support college students in recovery

This bill requires public colleges and universities to create alcohol- and drug-free housing programs for students recovering from substance use. These programs must offer on-site counseling, mentoring, and peer support services. Additionally, all public institutions must provide overdose prevention training and make naloxone available to students, faculty, and staff. The law directly affects public higher education institutions and students seeking recovery support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates recovery support services in public colleges, enhancing student program access and safety within higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health services (counseling, peer support) and naloxone access in colleges, directly advancing substance use recovery healthcare programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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