Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists in Massachusetts to dispense up to a 30-day supply of insulin without a doctor's immediate authorization during emergency situations where a patient cannot quickly reach their provider. The law defines an emergency as a time when obtaining standard authorization is not readily available and requires pharmacists to use their professional judgment to determine if the medication is essential to prevent harm. To prevent abuse, the bill restricts pharmacists from providing this emergency supply to the same patient more than once within any six-month period. Additionally, the legislation updates several state laws to explicitly include insulin as an item that can be dispensed under these emergency conditions.
Rep. Chris Flanagan
Sponsored bills
By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Meschino of Hull, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3139) of Christine P. Barber, Joan Meschino and others relative to setting deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and establishing programs to encourage private fleet electrification. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to study the financial impact of current and proposed building regulations on housing affordability. Specifically, it requires an analysis of how these rules increase costs compared to previous standards and identifies subsidies needed to ensure the overall cost of building homes does not rise. The department must submit its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by December 31, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program in Massachusetts to provide broader support for towns and cities addressing climate change risks. It directs the state secretary to offer financial grants, technical planning help, and implementation funding so local communities can assess their vulnerabilities and update their existing plans. Additionally, the legislation requires the creation of a statewide catalog of identified climate risks and the establishment of metrics to measure the program's success. These changes directly affect municipal governments by increasing their access to resources for building resilience against climate impacts.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special legislative commission to study challenges facing public libraries and their digital resource collections. The commission will investigate costs, consumer satisfaction, privacy concerns, and how licensing for digital materials differs from traditional print resources. It will also review actions taken by other states and make recommendations to support diverse collections and protect patron data. Additionally, the bill prohibits library contracts from restricting the sharing of license terms or requiring libraries to violate patron confidentiality, labeling such violations as unfair business practices. The commission is set to submit its findings and recommendations by October 15, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires home healthcare employers in Massachusetts to provide annual safety training and conduct risk assessments before visits to protect workers from violence. It mandates that agencies assess potential dangers at a patient's home, such as history of violent behavior or the presence of weapons, and equip workers with communication devices and alarms for emergencies. The law also allows workers to refuse service if they believe there is an imminent threat without fear of losing pay or facing discipline. Additionally, employers must create a crisis response team to support staff who have been assaulted or threatened.
By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Natalie M. Higgins and others relative to registered nurse patient assignment. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly authorize libraries to purchase and license electronic books and digital audiobooks. It directly affects a wide range of library types, including public, school, academic, and tribal libraries, by legally defining these digital formats and the companies that provide them. The legislation clarifies that "publishers" include both traditional book sellers and digital aggregators who license collections to libraries. By updating Chapter 78 of the General Laws, the bill removes potential legal barriers that might have prevented libraries from acquiring modern digital reading materials.
By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3040) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing for hybrid access to public meetings. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of eight appointed members, including licensed midwives with significant experience, a physician, a nurse-midwife, and a public representative, with specific requirements for members to address racial disparities in maternal health. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Board of Allied Health Professions that includes representatives from various health fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lactation consulting. The bill also expands the legal definition of "licensed midwife" to allow them to issue prescriptions and grants local health agencies the authority to conduct in-depth reviews of fetal and infant deaths to improve community health services.