Healthcare

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1575: An Act relative to anesthesiologist assistants

HD 1575 establishes a licensing framework for anesthesiologist assistants in Massachusetts. The bill defines key terms, requires assistants to work under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist (who must be actively practicing), and mandates that assistants graduate from accredited programs and pass national certification. It creates a registration system under the Board of Registration in Medicine, sets continuing education requirements, and allows assistants to access medications as directed by their supervising anesthesiologist. Violations, such as practicing without a license, carry fines of $100-$1,000 or up to one year in jail. This bill directly affects anesthesiologist assistants, supervising anesthesiologists, and the medical licensing board.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing framework for anesthesiologist assistants, ensuring qualified personnel under supervision to improve healthcare access and safety within medical services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2460: An Act relative to prescription opioid abuse prevention education

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdds opioid prevention education to school curriculum, enhancing health education programs without restrictions or funding cuts.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates opioid abuse prevention education, a public health initiative directly addressing healthcare impacts of the opioid crisis through prevention.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1755: An Act establishing a physical therapy licensure compact

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1506) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to establish a physical therapy licensure compact. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes interstate licensure for physical therapists, improving access to healthcare services by enabling practitioners to work across state lines.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4017: An Act relative to therapeutic psilocybin treatment centers

This bill establishes a 5-site pilot program in Massachusetts for therapeutic psilocybin treatment centers, located across western, central, North Shore, South Shore, and Metro Boston areas. Licensed centers, operated by medical professionals with psilocybin training, must provide supervised treatment in suitable facilities with adequate staff, education, safety protocols, and affordable pricing. The bill grants legal immunity from prosecution or penalties for participants, staff, property owners, and operators of licensed centers, and prohibits searches based solely on entering/exiting such centers. It requires the Department of Public Health to submit annual reports on program data, including participant visits, referrals, and outcomes, starting 18 months after implementation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes pilot program for psilocybin mental health treatment centers, expanding access to therapeutic services with safety protocols and affordability requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3868: An Act for a COVID-19 vaccination tax credit

This bill would create a tax credit of at least $100 for Massachusetts residents who provide medical documentation proving they received approved COVID-19 vaccines. The credit would be claimed when filing Massachusetts individual income tax returns, requiring proof of vaccination for each required dose. The legislation aims to encourage vaccination by offering direct financial support to residents. It is intended to advance public health goals and support economic recovery through higher vaccination rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a $100 tax credit for vaccine recipients, providing direct tax relief to residents. This aligns with 'provides tax relief' indicator for Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill offers tax credit to incentivize COVID-19 vaccination, directly advancing public health goals as stated in summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Public Health Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4205: An Act facilitating housing for all

This bill creates the "Housing First and Housing for All Fund" using revenues from a new gross receipts tax on businesses. The fund will directly support unhoused individuals, low-income households, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities by funding rental subsidies, emergency housing, permanent housing programs, and services like mental health care and legal aid for eviction cases. Key provisions include requiring annual reports on fund usage and mandating audits to ensure money is spent on housing prevention and support, not other state expenses. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand affordable housing access through dedicated funding, rather than speculative outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new business tax to fund housing programs, directly allocating tax revenue to support low-income housing and services, meeting 'funds essential programs' indicator.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly funds mental health care services as part of housing support, directly advancing healthcare access for vulnerable populations through the Housing First Fund.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates dedicated fund using business tax revenue to provide rental subsidies, emergency housing, and services for unhoused/low-income groups, directly advancing affordable housing access and tenant protections.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly lists veterans as a beneficiary group for housing subsidies and related services, directly funding veteran housing needs through the Housing First Fund.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Affordable Housing Homelessness Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1180: An Act establishing a primary seat belt law

This bill establishes a primary seat belt law in Massachusetts, requiring drivers and passengers aged 16 or older to wear seat belts, with fines of $50 for violations. It also imposes an additional $50 fine for each passenger under 16 but over 12 not wearing a seat belt. The law prohibits police from searching vehicles or drivers solely due to seat belt violations and ensures fines do not increase insurance premiums. Revenue from citations will fund the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, and the law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRevenue from seat belt fines funds Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, directing public revenue to essential health services per bill summary.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, directly supporting healthcare services for trauma care and injury treatment.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 878: An Act protecting the rights of older adults and people with disabilities

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 492) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to protect the rights of older adults and people with disabilities in nursing homes. Elder Affairs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects rights of nursing home residents (healthcare setting), aligning with patient rights protection in healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 868: An Act relative to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund

HD 868 amends DUI-related sections of Massachusetts law to redirect portions of fines and assessments into the Head Injury Treatment Services (HITS) Trust Fund. It specifies that 75% of certain fines collected for DUI offenses (including operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs) and 100% of a new $250 assessment for DUI convictions must be deposited monthly into the HITS Trust Fund. This directly affects individuals convicted of DUI offenses, as their fines and assessments will fund head injury treatment services. The bill modifies existing provisions in Chapter 90 to increase the percentage of funds directed to the trust fund (from $50 to $75-$250 in specific contexts) and clarifies the deposit mechanism. The HITS Trust Fund supports services for individuals with head injuries, with no new offenses or penalties created.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects DUI fines/assessments to fund head injury treatment services, directly allocating existing revenue to a specific public program.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRedirects DUI fines/assessments to fund head injury treatment services, directly increasing healthcare funding for a specific medical program.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1198: An Act prohibiting discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 819) of Pavel M. Payano and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit discrimination against 340b drug discount program participants. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits discrimination against 340b program participants, protecting access to discounted drugs for healthcare providers and patients, advancing affordable medication access.90% confidence

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