Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 1579: An Act to eliminate barriers and expand abortion access

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1579) of Liz Miranda and Manny Cruz for legislation to eliminate barriers and expand abortion access for patients under the age of 16. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands abortion access for minors, directly improving patient access to reproductive healthcare services under Public Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Women's Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1500: An Act relative to health care transparency

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1500) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to health care transparency. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates healthcare transparency to improve patient access and informed decision-making, aligning with support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2514: An Act relative to the definition of disclosure, apology and early offer programs

This bill defines and establishes "Communication, Apology and Resolution programs" (CARe/CRP) for healthcare providers. It requires physicians or healthcare organizations to investigate unanticipated adverse outcomes, provide full disclosure to patients/families, and offer sincere apologies or fair compensation for avoidable injuries without litigation. The bill exempts settlements or resolutions through these programs from being reported as claims to the medical board, unless substandard care is determined. Insurers must still report other claims within 30 days, including details like physician information, claim nature, and settlement amounts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill defines disclosure/apology programs for healthcare adverse outcomes, promoting transparency and patient rights under Public Health, aligning with patient protection indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2229: An Act to expand equity and access to patient centered care for substance abuse disorder

HD 2788 requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health and the Board of Registration in Medicine to create a healthcare provider education campaign promoting FDA-approved medications for alcohol and opioid use disorders. The campaign covers screening, treatment planning, reducing disparities, and care coordination, counting toward continuing education credits. It also mandates a peer mentoring program for providers serving underserved communities and establishes grants to help providers hire staff for expanded medication-assisted treatment services. The bill requires tracking provider adoption of these treatments and reporting to state committees by 2020.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands equity and access to substance abuse treatment under mental health services, directly improving patient access and supporting healthcare delivery.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 872: An Act establishing a community health center nurse practitioner residency program

This bill establishes a 24-month nurse practitioner residency program at community health centers to recruit and retain new nurse practitioners. It requires centers (those receiving federal grants under 42 USC 254b) to offer supervised patient care under physicians or experienced nurses, and mandates participants to commit to at least 18 months of employment at the center. The state must fund the program with $2.5 million annually and seek federal Medicaid reimbursement for this training. The program does not affect existing nursing licensure requirements under Chapters 94C or 112.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes nurse practitioner residency program to expand community health center staffing, improving patient access to primary care services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House May 2, 2025

H 1377: An Act establishing a community health center nurse practitioner residency program

HD 1444 establishes a 24-month nurse practitioner residency program at community health centers (CHCs) to recruit and retain nurse practitioners (NPs) for primary and preventative care. The program targets NPs who graduated within three years, requiring them to work at a CHC for at least 18 months post-residency under physician or advanced nurse supervision. It mandates $2.5 million annually in state funding, with efforts to secure federal Medicaid reimbursement for the residency costs. The law applies specifically to CHCs receiving federal grants under 42 USC 254b and does not alter existing nursing licensure requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes nurse practitioner residency program to recruit/retain staff at community health centers, directly improving healthcare access and workforce capacity in underserved areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Primary Care

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 891: An Act relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 891) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes loan repayment grants for primary care workforce at community health centers, directly funding workforce development to strengthen access to care services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House May 2, 2025

H 1410: An Act relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers

This bill establishes a new state loan repayment program for healthcare workers at community health centers in Massachusetts. It directly affects primary care physicians, mental health professionals (including community health workers and recovery coaches), and other staff who work at these centers and have student loan debt. The program requires participants to commit to four years of service, prioritizes culturally diverse recruitment, and is funded through an existing state reserve established in 2021. Eligible individuals must not participate in other loan repayment programs and will receive pro-rated assistance based on their work schedule. The program aims to strengthen recruitment and retention of healthcare staff at community health centers statewide.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes loan forgiveness program for primary care physicians at community health centers, directly funding workforce development to improve access to care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 2389: An Act relative to protecting public health and reducing health care costs

HD 2146 requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health to create a mandatory assessment tool within 12 months. This tool quantifies health impacts (like asthma, hospital visits, and premature death) and associated costs or savings from energy-related emissions (e.g., pollution from power plants) and energy efficiency/renewable energy benefits. It specifically analyzes effects on environmental justice communities, MassHealth, community hospitals, and state budgets. Starting 24 months after the law takes effect, all new state energy, transportation, or waste policies must explicitly factor in the tool's health cost analysis before adoption.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly cites benefits of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation to address emissions and health costs from grid electricity/fuels.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reduces emissions linked to health impacts, directly advancing environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to protect public health through emissions reduction and energy efficiency, directly aligning with healthcare policy goals of improving population health outcomes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House May 22, 2025

H 1361: An Act to address health care costs through the cost benchmark and rate review processes

This bill requires health care entities (like hospitals, insurers, and clinics) that exceed state-set cost growth targets to submit and implement a "performance improvement plan." Entities failing to file plans, implement them properly, or falsifying data face escalating fines - up to $750,000 for repeated violations - with penalties deposited into a dedicated Healthcare Payment Reform Fund. The law mandates ongoing data analysis to identify high-cost providers and grants the health policy commission authority to enforce compliance through penalties or delayed rate approvals. It directly targets cost control for large health care organizations, aiming to align spending with state benchmarks.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes cost benchmarking and rate review to reduce healthcare costs, enhancing affordability and access to services.90% confidence

Track