Sen. Jo Comerford

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to classify neonatal abstinence syndrome as a closely related development condition, thereby making affected children eligible for state support services. Additionally, it requires the department to create new regulations that improve coordination between different agencies to ensure continuity of care and access to health services for individuals aging out of the program. By updating official definitions and mandating better interagency cooperation, the legislation aims to provide a more comprehensive support system for children born with this condition and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires correctional facilities in Massachusetts to provide free voice telephone calls for incarcerated individuals and their families. It mandates that these calls be available at all times in all housing units, provided they do not disrupt educational or routine facility activities, and ensures that access levels do not drop below what existed before the law passed. The legislation also requires facilities to enable calling features on existing tablets and guarantees that landline phones remain available if tablet services fail. Additionally, the law prohibits the use of contracts that generate revenue or commissions from inmate phone calls and explicitly states that these changes do not limit in-person visitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to ensure that pregnancy care services are covered by health insurance plans without requiring patients to pay deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The law specifically targets plans governed by state regulations, though it allows cost-sharing to remain if a plan must comply with federal tax rules to maintain its tax-exempt status. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurance plans cannot impose unreasonable restrictions or delays on accessing these covered services. The Massachusetts Insurance Commission is tasked with monitoring and enforcing compliance with these new requirements to protect patient access to care.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid coverage in Massachusetts to include tobacco cessation counseling services. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who need help quitting tobacco use by ensuring they can access these programs. The key provision updates state law to define "tobacco use cessation counseling" broadly, allowing it to be delivered by various qualified professionals including physicians, dentists, and behavioral health counselors through individual, group, or phone sessions. By adding this specific language to existing health statutes, the legislation formalizes the availability of these support services for those enrolled in the state's public health insurance program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a formal regulatory framework for surgical assistants in Massachusetts by establishing a new board to oversee their licensure and practice. It defines the role of a surgical assistant as an individual working under the direct supervision of a licensed doctor who performs specific patient care tasks, such as suturing tissue or manipulating organs. The legislation requires surgical facilities to employ only licensed individuals for these roles, though it allows for temporary waivers in special circumstances and clarifies that other licensed health care providers can still perform similar duties within their existing scope of practice. Additionally, the bill grants the new board authority to set education standards, process applications, and enforce discipline against licensees who violate ethical rules or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts tax foreclosure laws to strengthen protections for homeowners facing property loss due to unpaid taxes. It requires tax collectors to provide clearer warnings about the consequences of non-payment, including potential eviction, and mandates that courts explicitly consider whether seizing rental income from the property could satisfy the debt before ordering a public sale. Additionally, the legislation ensures that tax liens are treated with the same priority as mortgages during the distribution of sale proceeds, aiming to provide a fairer process for property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to provide clearer information about prescription drug coverage starting January 1, 2018. It mandates that insurers post their drug lists online in a searchable format and update them within 72 hours of any changes. The law also specifies that these lists must include details on drug tiers, co-pay amounts, and rules for prior authorization or step therapy. Additionally, the state's Division of Insurance must create a standard template to ensure all plans display this information consistently.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensure pathway for lactation care providers in Massachusetts, allowing them to practice independently without needing to be certified as physical therapists or athletic trainers. To qualify for a license, applicants must hold current certification from a nationally recognized accrediting agency and demonstrate good moral character. The legislation also creates a specific seat on the Board of Allied Health Professions for a licensed lactation care provider and adds new definitions to state law to clarify what constitutes lactation care and services. By integrating lactation care into the existing allied health regulatory framework, the bill aims to increase access to professional breastfeeding support across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to formally define cognitive rehabilitation services for individuals with acquired brain injuries, such as those caused by strokes or traumatic brain injuries. It establishes specific definitions for various therapies, including cognitive rehabilitation therapy and community reintegration services, to ensure clarity in how these treatments are described and delivered. The legislation aims to create a standardized framework for these services, which are designed to help patients relearn essential daily living skills and safely return to their communities. By updating the legal definitions within Chapter 32A of the General Laws, the bill provides a clearer basis for insurance coverage and service delivery for this specific population.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires that social service and home care workers be paid at least 140 percent of the state's minimum wage. To make this possible, the state agency overseeing these programs must adjust the payment rates it gives to service providers to cover the increased labor costs. Before setting these new rates, the agency must hold public hearings to gather input from workers, employers, and community members, and it must investigate current wages and working conditions. The law also grants the agency the power to issue subpoenas to ensure witnesses and records are available during this investigation process.