H 242 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to enhance standards of care for those with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities

This bill requires Massachusetts' health department to create a state plan within one year to improve care standards for people with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including those with intersecting marginalized identities. It mandates forming an advisory committee of health officials, providers, patient advocates, and disability organizations to develop training requirements for healthcare professionals (like doctors and nurses) on diagnosis and treatment during routine care. The plan must include strategies for better assessment during primary care visits and coordinate with licensing boards to require this training for license renewals. These changes directly affect healthcare providers and aim to standardize care for patients with autism and IDD across the state.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Apr 16, 2026
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
5
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Apr 16, 2026
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Dec 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
lower
0 primary · 37 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.