By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 493) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to strengthen the long-term care workforce and capital trust fund. Elder Affairs.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 480) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to promote infection prevention and privacy for residents of nursing homes. Elder Affairs.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 432) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to prescription opioid abuse prevention education. Education.
HD 3362 requires dental providers (including dentists, hygienists, and assistants) to provide patients with a written cost estimate before performing any dental services, unless the patient waives this for a series of planned treatments. Patients who receive services without a quote can file a complaint with the Board of Registration in Dentistry. The Board must then investigate whether the services were medically necessary, and if not, report the violation to the Attorney General within three months. This bill directly affects dental offices and patients by increasing transparency around treatment costs and establishing a process for addressing billing disputes.
This bill creates a tax credit for Massachusetts hospitals conducting pediatric cancer research, allowing them to claim credits for related expenses. Hospitals can sell (transfer) these credits to other individuals or businesses, which can then use them to reduce their own tax bills. The total credits issued yearly cannot exceed $10 million, and unused credits may be carried forward for up to three years. The credit becomes effective for tax years starting January 1, 2025.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2078) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to exempt certain medical supplies from the state sales tax. Revenue.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 416) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to prove opportunity for youth with substance abuse needs. Education.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 754) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to improve treatment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Financial Services.
This bill requires licensed hospitals to maintain all services listed in their license. If a hospital must pause or divert patient services on three or more occasions in a single year due to inability to provide required services, the state health department must hold a public hearing in that community. The department then has the sole discretion to consider corrective actions, including revoking the hospital's license. This directly affects hospitals that repeatedly fail to meet their licensed service requirements. The law creates a specific process for addressing recurring service disruptions at healthcare facilities.
This bill establishes the Maternal Health Justice Fund to expand access to doulas in Massachusetts. The fund, managed by the Department of Public Health, will provide scholarships for people seeking doula certification - prioritizing historically marginalized groups, low-income applicants, and those in areas with limited doula services - and support community-based doula programs and maternal health workforce development. It requires certification programs to meet specific competencies, including training on health equity, implicit bias, racism, and trauma-informed care. The fund will be financed through state appropriations and non-state sources like grants or donations, with unused funds carried forward annually.
