Rep. Kristin Kassner

Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered pharmacists in Massachusetts to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral contraceptives without requiring a prior prescription from a doctor. To ensure safety, pharmacists would need to complete specific training, use a risk assessment tool with the patient, and refer the individual to a primary care provider after the transaction. The legislation also mandates that pharmacists provide a written record of the prescription and prohibits requiring patients to schedule an appointment for this service. These changes aim to increase access to birth control by enabling pharmacists to directly provide these medications to anyone who needs them.

By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2250) of Edward R. Philips and others for legislation to improve outcomes for sudden cardiac arrest by providing additional safeguards and resources. Public Health.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2281) of Andres X. Vargas and others relative to the development and posting of guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students about the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease. Public Health.

By Representative McKenna of Webster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2236) of Joseph D. McKenna and others for legislation relative to LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders) in infants. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to study whether it should take over the regulation of all memory care units currently overseen by the Department of Elder Affairs. The legislation defines memory care units as assisted living facilities or sections dedicated to treating Alzheimer's, dementia, and other forms of permanent memory loss. Proponents argue that moving oversight to a public health agency would allow these facilities to be treated as medical units, potentially improving care standards and supervision. If the study finds the transfer feasible, the Department of Public Health would assume responsibility for enforcing regulations on these facilities. The bill requires the Department of Elder Affairs to share relevant data within 90 days and mandates that the final report be submitted to state officials and the public within two years.

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2193) of Natalie M. Higgins, Jack Patrick Lewis and others relative to expanding after-death options and the disposal of human bodies. Public Health.

By Representatives Vitolo of Brookline and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2974) of Tommy Vitolo, David M. Rogers and others relative to senior property tax deferral. Revenue.

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2932) of David M. Rogers and others for legislation to establish a family caregiving tax credit. Revenue.

By Representative Roy of Franklin, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3108) of Jeffrey N. Roy and others for legislation to promote American manufacturing by requiring state or municipal agencies or authorities to give preference to materials and goods made in the United States. 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.