By Representative Barrett of North Adams, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3140) of John Barrett, III and Smitty Pignatelli relative to liens upon real estate for nonpayment by municipal lighting plants. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow trained dental hygienists in Massachusetts to administer dermal fillers and Botox injections. Under the new rules, these hygienists would need to complete specific additional training approved by the state board and must always work under the direct supervision of a dentist. The legislation explicitly prohibits hygienists from performing these procedures independently, ensuring a dentist is always present to oversee the treatment. This change aims to expand access to cosmetic procedures by utilizing the skills of dental hygienists while maintaining strict safety standards.
By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2216) of Kay Khan and others relative to the services provided by dental hygienists. Public Health.
By Representative Pignatelli of Lenox, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2255) of Smitty Pignatelli and others that public health dental hygienists be able to bill third-party insurance carriers for services provided. Public Health.
By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2221) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others that the Department of Public Health establish a voluntary certification training program for care of certain patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Public Health.
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.
By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3521) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian and others relative to COLA adjustments for veteran benefits. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3517) of Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to enhancing burial expenses for veterans. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
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.
