Healthcare (Public Health)

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 20, 2025

H 2550: An Act relative to culturally competent and effective health care

HD 2884 requires the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine to collect voluntary demographic and practice data from physicians applying for or renewing licenses starting January 1, 2027. Physicians must provide information on race, ethnicity, gender identity, language skills, specialty, practice locations, and employment status, though this data will not affect licensure decisions. The collected information will be aggregated, de-identified, and made publicly available annually by the Center for Health Information and Analysis to assess how physician diversity impacts health outcomes. The Center must also report this data to the legislature and public health officials each year, with strict rules preventing the sale of the data to third parties.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates collection of physician workforce data to improve cultural competence in healthcare services, advancing equitable patient care under Public Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 23, 2025

HD 5271: An Act to promote transparency surrounding colonoscopy procedures

By Representative Tarsky of Needham (by request), a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Gregory Dunn relative to colonoscopy procedures. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePromotes transparency in colonoscopy procedures, improving patient information access under Public Health category.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 27, 2025

H 2439: An Act relative to clinical laboratory testing

HD 924 requires clinical laboratories to obtain written consent from the person who provided a specimen before conducting tests. It also mandates that laboratories performing any test must routinely participate in CMS-approved proficiency testing programs for that specific test, unless no such program is available. This bill directly affects patients (who provide specimens), healthcare providers ordering tests, and clinical laboratories. The key changes are the new consent requirement and the proficiency testing mandate for all test types, aiming to improve testing accuracy and patient rights.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses clinical laboratory testing under Public Health, supporting healthcare infrastructure standards without explicit funding or restriction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 4120: An Act to declare emergency medical services an essential service

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4120) of Leigh Davis relative to emergency medical services. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDeclares emergency medical services essential, ensuring priority protection and public health program alignment, directly strengthening healthcare access and service continuity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 17, 2025

S 1486: An Act relative to end of life options

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1486) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Mindy Domb, Mark D. Sylvia and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to end of life options. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates end-of-life options under Public Health, expanding patient access to health services and supporting patient choice in healthcare decisions.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 2506: An Act decriminalizing psilocybin as a treatment for PTSD and certain other conditions

This bill allows limited possession and transfer of psilocybin for specific groups: U.S. veterans, current/former law enforcement officers, and individuals with medically diagnosed qualifying conditions (like PTSD, based on clinical studies), provided they have no disqualifying conditions (e.g., schizophrenia). It permits up to 2 grams of psilocybin for personal use and up to 50 grams of dried mushrooms for non-commercial transfer, but explicitly prohibits sales, medical use authorization, or driving under its influence. The bill requires public health officials to publish annual lists of qualifying/disqualifying conditions with supporting studies, while stressing the state does not endorse psilocybin as a treatment. It expires if psilocybin is classified as a Schedule II drug under federal law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDecriminalizes psilocybin for PTSD treatment, expanding access to mental health therapy options under public health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1557: An Act relative to vaccines and preventing future disease outbreaks

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1557) of Edward J. Kennedy and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to vaccines and preventing future disease outbreaks. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill focuses on vaccine access and outbreak prevention, strengthening public health infrastructure directly supporting healthcare services and disease prevention programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1495: An Act relative to healthcare worker and first responder safety

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1495) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to healthcare worker and first responder safety and HIV testing. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates safety protections for healthcare workers and includes HIV testing under public health, directly strengthening healthcare infrastructure and worker safety within healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly mandates safety protections for healthcare workers and first responders, directly improving workplace safety standards under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1561: An Act creating an OBGYN loan repayment grant program

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1561) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to create an OBGYN loan repayment grant program. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates OBGYN loan repayment grants to attract/retain specialists, directly improving access to women's health services under public health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1575: An Act providing municipalities to opt out of fluoridation treatments

By Mr. Mark (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1575) of Tim Jernigan-Smith, for legislation to provide municipalities to opt out of fluoridation treatments. Public Health.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareAllows municipalities to opt out of water fluoridation, a public health program, restricting a standard preventive healthcare measure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

Track