Healthcare (Public Health)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1585: An Act expanding healthcare proxy access to medical records

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1585) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to expand health care proxy access to medical records. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands healthcare proxy access to medical records, improving patient access to health information under Public Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 2504: An Act providing for consumer access to and the right to practice complementary and alternative health care services

This bill establishes rules for non-licensed practitioners offering complementary and alternative health care services (like acupuncture, naturopathy, or massage therapy without state licensing). It requires these practitioners to provide clients with a written disclosure before services begin, including their qualifications, service details, and confidentiality policies, and obtain written client acknowledgment. The bill explicitly prohibits such practitioners from performing surgery, prescribing drugs, making medical diagnoses, or claiming to be licensed. It does not affect licensed health professionals or activities already permitted by law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly expands consumer access to complementary/alternative health services, directly advancing patient access under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 24, 2025

H 2412: An Act to update postural screenings in schools

This bill modifies school health screening requirements by changing the grade levels where annual postural screenings must occur. It removes the requirement for screenings in grade 5 and specifies screenings must be conducted in grades 6, 7, 8, or 9 instead of the previous grades 5 through 9. The change directly affects students in those specific grades and school health programs implementing the screenings. This is a technical adjustment to the existing law, not a new policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpdates school postural screenings under Public Health, enhancing preventive care access and early detection for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2377: An Act to improve patient access to prescription medication

This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand when healthcare providers can dispense prescription medications directly to patients. It allows registered practitioners to dispense non-controlled medications and medications classified as Schedule VI through V (with safety rules), without requiring patients to go to a pharmacy first. Providers must inform patients they can also buy the medication elsewhere, and the change doesn't affect Schedule I drugs or emergency care. The law specifically targets direct dispensing by providers, not pharmacy access.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve patient access to prescription medication, directly aligning with healthcare access indicators in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 2579: An Act Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act of 2025

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2579) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joan B. Lovely and James J. O'Day for legislation to ban the use of DEHP, a plasticizer found in IV bags and tubing, due to concerns about its potential health risks. Public Health.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans DEHP (a known environmental pollutant) in medical devices, reducing chemical contamination and aligning with pollution control efforts despite primary health focus.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill bans DEHP in medical devices (IV bags/tubing) due to health risks, directly protecting patients and advancing public health safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 16, 2025

H 2530: An Act protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements

This bill prohibits the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to anyone under 18 years old. It requires retail stores to keep these products locked away (behind counters or in locked cases) and check identification for customers who appear under 18. For online sellers, it mandates age verification using government databases, requires an adult signature for delivery, and prohibits shipping to minors. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $1,000.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill regulates harmful supplements to protect children's health under public health initiative, aligning with healthcare protection indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 15, 2026

H 2442: An Act protecting patients and healthcare workers from exposure to surgical smoke

This bill requires Massachusetts hospitals and outpatient surgical centers to use smoke evacuation systems during procedures generating surgical smoke (such as those using lasers or electrosurgery) to protect patients and healthcare workers from inhaling harmful particles. Facilities must adopt policies ensuring smoke evacuation by January 1, 2026, and report these policies to the Department of Public Health by April 1, 2026. Non-compliance will result in fines of at least $500 per violation. The law directly affects all licensed hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly mandates protection from surgical smoke exposure, directly safeguarding patients and healthcare workers in medical settings per Public Health focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 4613: An Act relative to culturally competent and effective health care

This bill requires licensed healthcare facilities in Massachusetts to collect and submit annual demographic data on their physicians (including race, ethnicity, gender identity, language skills, specialty, and employment details) to state agencies. The data will be aggregated and made publicly available on the Board of Registration in Medicine website within 60 days of each year's end. State agencies must also report on this data to legislative committees and the Department of Public Health by February 28th annually. The goal is to assess how physician workforce diversity impacts health outcomes across the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates demographic data collection to improve cultural competence in healthcare, enhancing patient access and provider diversity85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 2478: An Act protecting the interests of patients in the event of the sale, relocation or closure of certain physician practices

HD 4028 requires physician practices with more than 10 doctors to give patients 90 days' written notice before closing, relocating, or selling, with continued care for 90 days. It also mandates 180 days' advance notice to the state health department, which may hold hearings to assess impacts on patient access and alternatives. Practices must provide patients with resources to find new care and ensure medical records transfer to a designated entity. The bill creates a registry for large practices, requiring registration by October 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient access during physician practice transitions, preventing service disruptions and safeguarding patient rights under public health framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 1597: An Act relative to a healthier, stronger Massachusetts

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1597) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to a healthier, stronger Massachusetts in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directly addresses public health initiatives post-pandemic to create a 'healthier, stronger Massachusetts,' aligning with healthcare advancement and protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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