H 1197 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to provide rapid whole genome sequencing

This bill directs Massachusetts state health officials to cover rapid whole genome sequencing for Medicaid patients under 22 who have complex or acute illnesses with unknown causes. The legislation defines this testing as a method to analyze the entire human genome and requires results to be available within 14 days, specifically for children in intensive care or high-acuity units. Coverage is authorized only when specific clinical criteria are met, such as multiple organ system anomalies, abnormal lab results suggesting genetic disorders, or severe conditions like refractory seizures and abnormal heart function. The law mandates that the resulting genetic data be used primarily to guide patient diagnosis and treatment while remaining protected under standard health privacy regulations.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Oct 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Oct 30, 2023
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Oct 30, 2023
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors