Rep. Kristin Kassner

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts hospitals and birthing facilities to perform a saliva or urine test on newborns within 21 days of birth to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The law mandates that parents receive educational materials about cCMV and screening options at their first prenatal appointment or preconception visit. Healthcare providers must also be supplied with evidence-based information regarding preventative measures and support resources. Parents or guardians who object to the screening based on sincerely held religious beliefs are exempt from the requirement. The Department of Public Health is tasked with developing specific regulations for this program within one year of the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to develop standardized testing and care protocols for individuals who suspect they have been given drugs used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. The task force, which includes medical professionals and community representatives, will define these drugs, track incidents, and recommend uniform testing procedures for hospitals regardless of whether a sexual assault has occurred. Additionally, the bill mandates that all hospitals provide drug testing upon patient request and requires the department to publish a list of qualifying drugs along with public resources. The task force must submit its findings and proposed regulations within one year of the bill's effective date.

By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2163) of Carole A. Fiola and others that the Division of Medical Assistance be directed to provide coverage for screenings for postpartum depression. Public Health.

Maddy summaryOllie’s Law amends Massachusetts state regulations to improve safety standards for private dog kennels. The bill raises the maximum number of dogs allowed in a single-person private kennel from four to five, provided the dogs are six months of age or older. Additionally, it updates the legal classification code for these facilities from 174F to 174G. These changes directly affect individuals who operate small, private dog kennels on their property.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new board of allied health professions in Massachusetts to oversee the regulation of lactation consultants. The board will include twelve appointed members, specifically ensuring representation from athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians, and the general public. Additionally, the legislation creates official definitions for key terms like "lactation consultant" and "perinatal health worker" to clarify their roles and requirements. By amending existing laws, the bill formally adds lactation consultants to the list of allied health professionals eligible for licensure and practice within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires MassHealth to ensure that all Senior Care Options plans provide a specific dementia care coordination service to members diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The legislation defines this service as a proactive care consultation designed to help individuals receive cost-effective and quality care within the existing senior care framework. By adding this requirement to state law, the measure directly affects seniors enrolled in MassHealth's Senior Care Options programs who have been diagnosed with these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects people in Massachusetts who donate organs while they are still alive from facing discrimination by insurance companies. It requires insurers offering disability, life, annuity, and long-term care policies to treat living organ donors the same as anyone else, meaning they cannot deny coverage, charge higher rates, or cancel policies just because someone has donated an organ. The law also mandates that the state insurance department make information about reputable living organ donation organizations available to the public. By establishing these rules, the legislation aims to remove financial barriers that might discourage individuals from choosing to donate organs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Children's Vision and Eye Health Advisory Council to help address disparities in children's vision care across Massachusetts. The council will consist of 13 members from various medical, educational, and community organizations, along with three parents, who will meet annually to offer advice on improving eye health programs and screening systems. Additionally, the bill requires the state to establish a secure, computerized registry where healthcare providers report vision screening results to track and improve access to eye care for children.

By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2164) of Carole A. Fiola and others relative to patient assessment and notification prior to prescribing certain medications. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ollie's Law, aims to improve safety standards for dog kennels in Massachusetts by expanding the definition of regulated facilities and mandating new licensing and care requirements. It reclassifies personal kennels to include those with five or more dogs and introduces a new category for "personal breeder kennels," which are defined as operations with three or more intact female dogs kept for breeding and selling puppies. Under the law, all kennels must obtain a license, and the state department is required to create detailed rules covering staff-to-animal ratios, housing conditions, nutrition, and veterinary care. Additionally, the bill mandates that kennels report any injuries to animals or people and requires the department to make investigative reports publicly available online.