Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 805: An Act relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 805) of Patrick M. O'Connor relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates PANDAS/PANS screening in clinical settings, improving early detection and patient access to specialized healthcare services.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1405: An Act repealing the sunset date for drug stewardship

This bill (SD 937) removes an automatic expiration date for a drug stewardship program established under Chapter 52 of the 2016 Acts. It repeals Sections 55 and 77 of that law, which previously set a sunset date (ending the program on a specific future date). By eliminating this expiration, the bill ensures the drug stewardship program remains in effect indefinitely without needing future legislative action. The change directly affects the ongoing operation of the state's drug stewardship program, extending its legal authority permanently.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRepealing sunset date ensures ongoing drug stewardship programs in mental health/substance use, maintaining current services without cuts or restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 5, 2025

H 4306: An Act to improve Massachusetts home care

This bill establishes a licensing system for home care agencies in Massachusetts, requiring most agencies providing home care services to obtain a license from the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It directly affects home care agencies, workers, and consumers (individuals receiving home care), while excluding government agencies, house cleaning services, and existing programs like hospice or home health agencies. Key provisions include mandatory background checks for workers (criminal history, driving records, etc.), minimum standards for service plans and contracts, insurance requirements, and enforcement through fines for unlicensed operation. The law aims to improve safety and consistency in home care by creating standardized oversight, requiring agencies to follow state labor laws, and setting training requirements for staff.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing for home care agencies with mandatory background checks, enhancing safety and quality of home health services per bill title and summary.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandatory background checks for home care workers directly enhance workplace safety standards, a core labor/employment protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 4667: An Act building resilience and increasing access to mental health services

This bill establishes a state grant program to help nonprofits serving communities at high risk of hate crimes, or nonprofits themselves facing hate crime threats, improve mental health support. The Department of Mental Health will fund grants for staff training (like mental health first aid), culturally responsive referrals, community education, and other programs addressing mental health needs. Grants must be distributed equitably across Massachusetts and align with the state's previous year's hate crime report data. The program requires annual reports detailing grant recipients, funding amounts, programming used, and how funds target communities based on hate crime trends.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates state grants to fund mental health support programs, directly increasing access and strengthening mental health services for high-risk communities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 8, 2026

S 784: An Act promoting and enhancing the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Joan B. Lovely, Susannah M. Whipps, Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane and others for legislation to promote and enhance the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes birth centers and midwifery workforce sustainability, directly enhancing maternal healthcare access and services within healthcare topic area.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly targets midwifery workforce sustainability, directly supporting employment conditions for this labor group without ambiguity.80% confidence

Track

passed both · Massachusetts · House Jul 30, 2026

H 4706: An Act to improve Massachusetts home care

H 4706 establishes a licensing system for home care agencies in Massachusetts, requiring them to obtain and maintain a license from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. It mandates background checks for all home care workers (including criminal history, federal exclusion lists, and driving records for drivers), sets minimum standards for consumer service plans and contracts, and requires agencies to carry workers' compensation and liability insurance. The bill also mandates annual training for workers on topics like abuse reporting, dementia care, safety, and privacy. This directly affects home care agencies, home care workers, and the thousands of Massachusetts residents receiving home care services in their homes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates licensing, background checks, service standards, and insurance for home care agencies, directly improving quality and safety of healthcare services.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates workers' compensation insurance and background checks for home care workers, directly protecting worker rights and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 246: An Act to reduce inequities in access to hearing aids

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 246) of Adam Gomez, Michael J. Barrett and Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide increased access to hearing aids. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to increase access to hearing aids, a healthcare service, directly improving patient access to medical devices under health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 2732: An Act relative to direct primary care

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2732) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to prohibit denials of certain payments for health care service. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits denials of certain healthcare payments, protecting patient access to services and aligning with patient rights indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 1254: An Act relative to the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder

By Representative Mahoney of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1254) of John J. Mahoney relative to the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill focuses on improving autism diagnosis/treatment access, directly supporting mental health services within healthcare policy.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 17, 2025

S 811: An Act to improve outcomes for those with limb loss and limb difference

SD 1134 requires health insurers in Massachusetts to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices without discrimination based on disability. It mandates coverage for devices designed for specific physical activities (like swimming or biking) and ensures replacement without lifetime restrictions if medically necessary. The bill also prohibits separate financial barriers for these devices and guarantees access to at least two in-network providers, with out-of-network reimbursement options. This directly affects residents with limb loss or difference who rely on such medical equipment for daily and physical activities. The law applies to both private health plans and MassHealth coverage under Chapter 32A and Chapter 118E of Massachusetts General Laws.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates MassHealth coverage for prosthetic/orthotic devices, expanding health insurance benefits and improving patient access for limb loss/difference care.95% confidence

Track