Rep. Sally Kerans

Maddy summaryHD 1369 prohibits licensed health insurers (subject to specific Massachusetts insurance laws) from requiring annual re-authorizations for prescription drugs treating chronic conditions. It directly affects patients with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, stroke, or respiratory disease, as well as their insurers. The bill's key provision bans insurers from demanding yearly approval for these specific medications once a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner has prescribed them. This changes the current process by eliminating an administrative hurdle for ongoing treatment of chronic illnesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that Massachusetts begin offering universal newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) starting July 1, 2027. The legislation requires hospitals and birthing facilities to test all newborns using saliva or urine PCR tests, with results shared with parents, doctors, and the state within 21 days of birth. Healthcare providers must also provide expectant parents with evidence-based information about CMV prevention and support resources during prenatal and postnatal care visits. While the bill includes a religious exemption allowing parents to opt out of the screening, it also establishes a new advisory committee to oversee the program's implementation and ensure accurate testing standards.

By Representative Kerans of Danvers, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sally P. Kerans relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Middleton's town charter to update governance procedures. Key changes include: (1) establishing a new recall process allowing voters to petition to remove officials with signatures equal to 12% of registered voters, requiring a majority vote of those participating plus 12% of total voters; (2) changing the Select Board to five members elected to three-year terms; and (3) adding requirements for Town Meeting notices (mailed 7 days in advance) and limiting re-voting on defeated zoning proposals for two years. These changes directly affect Middleton residents who attend Town Meetings and elect local officials, as well as all town boards and officers. The bill focuses on procedural clarity and voter engagement within the town's existing governance structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Aeronautics Division to collect and publish noise complaints and flight operation data at Beverly Regional Airport annually between April and October, making the information publicly accessible on the Division's website. It also mandates the creation of a Good Neighbor policy to educate pilots and flight schools about the noise impact of training flights on nearby residents, including providing guidance materials and sample policies. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for public meetings where residents can question airport officials about noise concerns and requires all new airport badge applicants to receive a copy of the Good Neighbor policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 3581) allows licensed physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds in Massachusetts, expanding their existing authority under Chapter 123 of the General Laws. It directly affects physician assistants working in mental health settings by permitting them to initiate involuntary psychiatric holds for individuals in crisis. Key provisions require physician assistants to complete 3 hours of specialized mental health evaluation training developed by the Department of Mental Health before authorizing such holds. The bill amends specific sections of the law to explicitly include "physician assistant" alongside "physician" in relevant provisions. This is a policy change to clarify and expand the scope of practice for physician assistants in mental health emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "psychotropic" medications (including antipsychotics, antidepressants, and similar drugs) for nursing home use. It requires nursing homes to submit quarterly reports on these medications to federal health programs, publicly post the reports online, and document in resident care plans the prescriber's details, evaluation date, reasons for use, and proof of informed consent. Failure to submit reports may result in fines or suspension of new admissions. The law directly affects nursing homes, residents receiving psychotropic medications, and their guardians.

Maddy summaryHD 1940 requires Massachusetts homeowners insurance companies to provide homeowners with at least 30 days' certified mail notice before inspecting their property (including roof, gutters, etc.). Insurers must also obtain written authorization and give a 7-day phone/email written notice with a specific 3-hour inspection window. The bill mandates inspectors show their license upon arrival, provide photos of any issues found (like roof damage) after the inspection, and prohibits insurers from canceling policies or demanding full roof replacements for deterioration affecting fewer than 10 shingles. This directly affects homeowners with insurance policies and the insurers or joint underwriting associations managing those policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' health department to create a state plan within one year to improve care standards for people with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including those with intersecting marginalized identities. It mandates forming an advisory committee of health officials, providers, patient advocates, and disability organizations to develop training requirements for healthcare professionals (like doctors and nurses) on diagnosis and treatment during routine care. The plan must include strategies for better assessment during primary care visits and coordinate with licensing boards to require this training for license renewals. These changes directly affect healthcare providers and aim to standardize care for patients with autism and IDD across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents patients from receiving surprise bills for emergency ambulance services. It requires insurance companies to pay ambulance providers directly for covered emergency transports, rather than billing patients, and sets payment rates based on municipal rates or federal Medicare rates if municipal rates don't exist. Uninsured patients are protected from charges exceeding Medicare's published rates, and ambulance providers cannot use wage garnishments or credit reporting to collect unpaid bills. The law applies to all emergency ambulance services covered under insurance policies, directly affecting patients, ambulance providers, and insurers.