Rep. Natalie Higgins

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 Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2205) of Hannah Kane and others relative to date labels on food packaging of products. Public Health.

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 Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2149) of Daniel M. Donahue and others for legislation to ensure safe medication administration. Public Health.

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 expands financial assistance for Massachusetts homeowners who remove or replace lead service lines in their homes. It defines lead service lines to include various lead pipes and galvanized lines connected to lead pipes, ensuring broader coverage for replacement efforts. The legislation also strengthens the state's program for detecting lead hazards by requiring inspections of properties with reported lead poisoning cases and mandating that owners notify mortgage lenders and tenants if lead pipes are found. These changes aim to improve access to funding and enhance the identification of lead risks in residential water systems.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that children involved with state agencies have better access to behavioral health services by clarifying the Department of Mental Health's role in providing specialized care and allowing it to offer non-mental health services as needed. It requires the creation of a model emergency response plan for group care settings that prioritizes behavioral health interventions and limits police involvement to situations involving imminent danger. Additionally, the legislation mandates that group homes implement these plans, provide staff with behavioral health training, and guarantee that children can return to their homes after medical or non-medical leave without the facility refusing readmission.