Sen. Mike Brady

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing system for private businesses that provide home care services, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and housekeeping, to help ensure these providers are responsible and suitable. To obtain a license, agencies must meet specific requirements that include conducting thorough background checks on all workers, verifying driving records for those who transport clients, and maintaining clear contracts that detail service costs and plans. The law also mandates that agencies carry workers' compensation and liability insurance, follow labor laws regarding payroll, and provide ongoing training for their staff. The executive office of health and human services is tasked with issuing licenses, enforcing rules, and conducting investigations to monitor compliance, while also ensuring these new requirements do not duplicate existing oversight for other types of long-term care providers.

By Mr. Brady and Ms.DuBois of Brockton, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3120) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael D. Brady and Michelle M. DuBois for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Edward Suber, an employee of the department of youth services. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that health care plans for firefighters in Massachusetts cover specific cancer screenings without charging co-payments or deductibles. It requires these screenings to begin three years after a firefighter starts their job and to be repeated every three years while they are employed. The law specifies that the exams must check for various types of cancer, including lung, colon, and prostate cancer, and applies to firefighters working for the state, cities, towns, and certain military bases. While the bill generally prohibits out-of-pocket costs, it allows for cost-sharing only if federal tax laws require it to maintain the plan's tax-exempt status.

Maddy summaryH 4335 requires Massachusetts' Group Insurance Commission to cover medically necessary cognitive rehabilitation services for Commonwealth employees (active and retired) with an acquired brain injury (ABI). The bill mandates coverage for specific therapies including cognitive rehabilitation therapy, neurocognitive therapy, community reintegration services, and neurofeedback therapy, without lifetime or unreasonable annual limits. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage solely because services occur outside a hospital and requires insurers to train staff on these benefits. The law also specifies that providers must hold appropriate licenses and accreditation for these services. This directly affects Commonwealth employees with ABI by ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage for their rehabilitation needs.

Senate, June 18, 2016 -- Text of the Senate Bill relative to primary care for you (Senate, No. 3141) (being the text of Senate, No. 3116, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers (such as state, city, or fire district departments) to provide full-time firefighters with free cancer screenings every three years, starting three years after they begin working as firefighters. It covers screenings for 11 specific cancers including colon, lung, bladder, and prostate, with all costs paid by the employer's health plan - no co-pays or deductibles required. The mandate applies to firefighters in municipal departments, the Massachusetts Military Reservation, the 104th Fighter Wing, and Devens fire departments. The only exception is if the employer's health plan is federally tax-exempt and would lose that status without cost-sharing, though this is uncommon.

Maddy summaryHD 2333 requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health to amend regulations governing temporary nursing agencies working at skilled nursing facilities. The bill targets owners with 5%+ ownership in both a temporary nursing agency and a licensed skilled nursing facility, prohibiting them from using their agency at their own facility. It mandates additional reporting from these owners and broadly defines "family member" to include spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, and extended relatives. The regulations must be finalized within 180 days of the bill's passage, with the department required to consult senior care associations and 1199 SEIU during the process. This directly affects facility owners and agency operators with overlapping business interests.

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 426) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Vanna Howard, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ensure that all students are prepared for future success. Education.

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 421) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Deborah B. Goldberg, Treasurer and Receiver General, for legislation to require financial education in schools. Education.

By Mr. Gómez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 374) of Adam Gómez, Joanne M. Comerford, Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to empower students and schools to thrive. Education.