Maddy summarySD 992 creates a Perinatal Behavioral Health Care Workforce Trust Fund to address shortages in mental and behavioral health providers specializing in perinatal care (during pregnancy and up to one year after birth). The fund provides grants to organizations for training programs aimed at growing and diversifying this workforce, with priority given to programs serving medically underserved populations or areas with racial, geographic, or health outcome disparities. Grantees must report annually on grant recipients, participant demographics (including race, gender, and zip code), and how programs impact workforce sustainability and healthcare shortages. This bill directly affects perinatal health providers and the communities they serve, particularly those facing systemic healthcare gaps.
Sen. Patrick O'Connor
Sponsored bills
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 276) of Patrick M. O'Connor (by the vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Cohasset to issue five additional licenses for the sale of alcohol to be drunk on the premises. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2599) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to provide insurance coverage for the medically necessary treatment of port-wine stains. Financial Services.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 692) of Brendan P. Crighton, James B. Eldridge and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to facilitate timely access to quality health care by expanding access to patient navigation. Financial Services.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 274) of Patrick M. O'Connor (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Marshfield to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 806) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to increase access to acute hospital at home services by mandating coverage by commercial insurance plans. Financial Services.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 981) requires Massachusetts health insurers to increase minimum payments for mental health and substance use services provided by behavioral health clinics by 5% starting in 2027. It mandates that clinics receive at least 20% higher payment rates for these services compared to independent practitioners (like solo therapists). The state must review these rates every two years, adjusting for inflation, comparing staff wages to state averages, and considering new government costs. The bill directly affects behavioral health clinics and independent practitioners who provide mental health services in Massachusetts.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1362) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Rodney M. Elliott, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit mandatory overtime. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1602) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to improve pediatric cancer research. Public Health.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 168) of Patrick M. O'Connor, James K. Hawkins, John F. Keenan, Manny Cruz and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase the safety of individuals with disabilities relying on life-support equipment. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.