Healthcare (Hospitals) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 786: An Act relative to the licensing of limited registration dentists

HD 786 creates a limited dental license for dentists working in educational or hospital settings who haven't completed full licensure. It allows eligible applicants (with accredited diplomas and specific faculty/intern roles) to practice under supervision in designated hospitals for up to 5 years, renewable after passing a clinical exam. After 10 years of practice under this limited license, dentists qualify for "special registration," permitting practice in MassHealth-accepting private offices alongside hospital work, but requiring equal time split between both settings. This directly affects dentists employed at accredited dental schools or state/municipal hospitals seeking a pathway to broader practice. The bill modifies existing licensing rules to expand practice options for certain dental professionals in institutional settings.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medical Licensing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1563: An Act authorizing the University of Massachusetts Building Authority to purchase and construct a hospital in the town of Norwood to be operated by UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc

This bill authorizes the University of Massachusetts Building Authority to purchase or construct a hospital in Norwood, Massachusetts, to be operated by UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. It amends state law to include Norwood as a location for the hospital and medical school campuses and permits the Authority to acquire land at 800 Washington Street through purchase or eminent domain. The bill also allows the Authority to issue bonds to fund construction and establishes rules for transferring the hospital's operations and assets to a nonprofit corporation, requiring it to remain nonprofit and notify the Attorney General before selling assets to for-profit entities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 121: An Act relative to public safety around hospitals with air emergency helipads

HD 121 prohibits non-emergency flight training maneuvers within a 2 nautical mile radius of hospital helipads in Massachusetts. It bans activities like simulated landings, practice approaches, and turns near these locations, while requiring overflights to stay above 2,000 feet above ground level. The bill directly affects private flight schools and recreational pilots by restricting where they can conduct training. Its key provision establishes specific airspace safety rules around hospital helipads to reduce potential risks to the public.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2838: An Act relative to COVID-19 complications for public safety employees

This bill provides medical expense coverage for retired police officers and firefighters who developed ongoing complications from work-related COVID-19 infections. It covers hospital, medical, surgical, and related costs after retirement, and extends to surviving spouses or next of kin if the employee dies from such complications. A panel of city officials and physicians must verify that expenses were directly caused by work-related COVID-19, incurred after the bill’s effective date, and reasonable. The policy applies only to complications requiring ongoing treatment beyond retirement, not to initial illness or current employees.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Hospitals

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 730: An Act relative to preventing death by drug overdose

HD 730 requires emergency medical personnel to transport individuals experiencing apparent drug overdoses to hospitals after administering an opioid antagonist (like naloxone), even without the person's consent. It allows limited searches for weapons during transport if safety is at risk and permits emergency restraints under specific conditions. The law provides legal immunity to EMTs, firefighters, and volunteers who administer antidotes or provide emergency care in good faith, protecting them from liability for non-gross-negligence acts. This directly affects overdose victims (requiring hospital transport) and emergency responders (shielding them from lawsuits). The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws to prioritize medical care over immediate legal action for overdose cases.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Substance Abuse

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1043: An Act authorizing the University of Massachusetts Building Authority to purchase and construct a hospital in the town of Norwood to be operated by UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc

SD 1043 authorizes the University of Massachusetts Building Authority to purchase land and construct a new hospital in Norwood (specifically at 800 Washington Street) to be operated by UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. The bill amends state law to include Norwood in the University of Massachusetts medical school campus locations and defines key terms related to the hospital's operation. It permits the Authority to use eminent domain for land acquisition or enter purchase agreements, and allows bond financing for construction costs. The legislation also establishes procedures for transferring management of the hospital's clinical division to UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. as a nonprofit entity, with restrictions on future asset sales to for-profit organizations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1854: An Act requiring coverage of medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivor

This bill (HD 1854) requires health insurance plans covering Commonwealth employees, retirees, and private insurance policies in Massachusetts to provide coverage for specific dental and oral care related to head and neck cancer. It mandates coverage for pre-cancer dental care (to prevent infection or decay), dental procedures before cancer treatment (like chemotherapy), and post-cancer care (to address treatment side effects such as tooth loss or infection). The bill also covers dental implants, prostheses, rehabilitation services, and patient education necessary to restore function (eating, speaking, swallowing) and appearance affected by cancer or its treatment. These requirements apply to group insurance plans (Chapter 32A), health insurance (Chapter 118E), private medical insurance (Chapter 175), and hospital service plans (Chapter 176A).

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2842: An Act promoting and enhancing the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce

This bill creates a new Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support midwifery education, retention, and birth center sustainability. The fund, administered by the state health department, receives state/federal maternal health funds and private donations, with unspent balances rolling over annually. It finances student education costs, midwife loan forgiveness (potentially requiring work in underserved areas), midwifery training programs, and mental health support for practicing midwives. Additionally, the bill mandates that state health insurance programs pay certified midwives and freestanding birth centers at rates no lower than those for physicians or hospital services for equivalent care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Hospitals Women's Health Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 762: An Act require a suitable ride home from the hospital for all cognitively impaired discharges

This bill requires Massachusetts hospitals to verify that certain patients have arranged suitable transportation before discharge. It applies to patients who had anesthesia-related surgery, have developmental disabilities, are receiving substance abuse treatment, or suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia. Hospitals must confirm transport arrangements but are not required to provide or arrange the transportation themselves. The law aims to prevent unsafe discharges for vulnerable patients by adding this verification step to hospital protocols. It directly affects hospitals in Massachusetts and the specific patient groups listed in the bill.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Substance Abuse

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2543: An Act requiring hospital to maintain services

By Representative Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2543) of Priscila S. Sousa for legislation to increase the accountability of hospitals that interrupt or divert required services. Public Health.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals

All healthcare bills