Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to establish mandatory reporting requirements for suspected elder abuse and neglect affecting individuals over the age of 60. It designates a wide range of professionals, including healthcare workers, teachers, clergy, and law enforcement officers, as mandated reporters who must immediately report suspected cases to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The legislation requires these reporters to file written reports within 48 hours and grants hospital staff the authority to take photographs of visible injuries without consent to support their reports. Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for failing to report abuse while also imposing fines and potential jail time for knowingly filing frivolous reports.
Rep. Bud Williams
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program in Massachusetts designed to help school districts hire more mental health counselors for their students. The state department will distribute funds to districts that apply, allowing them to use the money to pay for counselor salaries or to contract with outside service providers. The legislation also requires the state commissioner to set rules regarding the necessary qualifications and certifications for the professionals receiving this funding. Ultimately, the bill aims to increase access to mental health support within the public school system by providing financial resources to districts.
By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3346) of Steven S. Howitt, Alan Silvia and Bud L. Williams relative to roadway littering. Transportation.
By Representative Pignatelli of Lenox, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2253) of Smitty Pignatelli and others for legislation to expand patient access to oral health care. Public Health.
By Representatives Khan of Newton and Fluker Oakley of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2209) of Kay Khan, Brandy Fluker Oakley and others for legislation to establish a board of registration in midwifery and further regulating out-of-hospital birth access and safety. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Center for Health Information and Analysis in Massachusetts to collect and publish annual data on hospital bad debts and claims denials. Specifically, hospitals must report their total bad debt amounts broken down by payer type, including commercial insurers, government programs, and uninsured patients, along with the rate and dollar value of denied claims. The legislation also mandates that hospitals submit aged accounts receivable reports organized by payer. Once gathered, the Center will release these findings in a public annual report to increase transparency regarding financial disputes between hospitals and payers.
By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2162) of Carole A. Fiola and others for legislation relative to acupuncture detoxification specialists. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare practitioners in Massachusetts to educate patients about the risks of prescription opioids when issuing specific high-risk prescriptions. The law mandates that doctors explain the need for an overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone, if a patient meets certain criteria, including taking high doses of opioids, using benzodiazepines, or having a history of substance use disorder. If a practitioner decides not to provide this education, they must document in the patient's medical record why the reversal agent was deemed unnecessary. The measure directly affects physicians and other providers who prescribe Schedule II opioids and aims to improve patient safety through mandatory counseling.
By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3208) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Michelle M. DuBois and Bud L. Williams for legislation to establish standards for the pole attachment process to facilitate the construction of broadband networks. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.