Health Care Financing

This bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making agreements (SDMAs), allowing adults (18+) with disabilities to voluntarily choose supporters (like family or friends) to help them make life decisions - such as housing, healthcare, or finances - without replacing guardianship. It requires the state to create a training program for supporters on rights, obligations, and dispute resolution, and updates education and legal processes to recognize SDMAs (e.g., informing students about SDMAs during IEP meetings). The bill directly affects adults needing decision support, their chosen supporters, and state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services. Key provisions define "supported decision-making," set rules for agreement execution/termination, and prohibit supporters who have abused the decision-maker or been removed as conservators.

This bill requires health insurance companies to reimburse licensed athletic trainers (with physician referrals) for services they're legally allowed to provide, on the same terms as other covered providers. It applies only to health plans that already cover similar services or conditions within athletic trainers' scope of practice. Insurers cannot impose additional cost-sharing (like higher deductibles) or utilization restrictions that unfairly target athletic trainer care, though standard plan rules still apply. The law ensures athletic trainers are treated equally for covered services without expanding their scope of practice.

Senate, August 10, 2026 -- The committee on Public Health, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1485) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis, Julian Cyr and other members of the Senate for legislation to prohibit nonconsensual intimate examinations of anesthetized or unconscious patients; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1491) of Brendan P. Crighton, Rory McCarthy, James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to chaperones for medical exams, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3197).

This bill amends Massachusetts law to require the Department of Children and Families to consult with a pediatric medical professional when a parent or caretaker provides evidence that a child has a preexisting condition, such as rickets or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, that can mimic signs of abuse. The key provision mandates this consultation if the medical condition is known to be misdiagnosed as abuse or neglect. A physician or advanced practice registered nurse may then examine the child to advise on whether the observed symptoms are likely caused by the medical condition rather than maltreatment.

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to family support and poverty alleviation. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.