Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1418: An Act relative to fetal opioid drug exposure

This bill (SD 45) requires the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to formally include "fetal opioid drug exposure and addiction" within the existing definition of "Closely Related Developmental Conditions" under state regulations. It directly affects individuals with developmental conditions linked to prenatal opioid exposure by ensuring they qualify for related support services. The key mechanism is amending regulatory definitions to expand eligibility, without creating new programs or funding. The commissioner may also later add other diagnoses to this category at their discretion.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAddresses fetal opioid exposure under Mental Health & Substance Use, supporting healthcare services for affected mothers and infants.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1176: An Act relative to a humane response to a mental health crisis

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1176) of Paul W. Mark and Michael O. Moore for legislation to remove the 3-day commitment period to a facility for a person with a mental illness. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves 3-day mental health commitment period, improving access to timely crisis care and aligning with mental health service support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1687: An Act relative to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund

HD 868 amends DUI-related sections of Massachusetts law to redirect portions of fines and assessments into the Head Injury Treatment Services (HITS) Trust Fund. It specifies that 75% of certain fines collected for DUI offenses (including operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs) and 100% of a new $250 assessment for DUI convictions must be deposited monthly into the HITS Trust Fund. This directly affects individuals convicted of DUI offenses, as their fines and assessments will fund head injury treatment services. The bill modifies existing provisions in Chapter 90 to increase the percentage of funds directed to the trust fund (from $50 to $75-$250 in specific contexts) and clarifies the deposit mechanism. The HITS Trust Fund supports services for individuals with head injuries, with no new offenses or penalties created.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes trust fund specifically for head injury treatment services, directly funding specialized healthcare services under public health programs.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 746: An Act to improve patient access to non-emergency medical transportation

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 746) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to improve patient access to non-emergency medical transportation. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve patient access to non-emergency medical transportation, directly aligning with healthcare access indicators as a core support measure.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 12, 2026

S 1395: An Act relative to suicide prevention signage at certain facilities

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1395) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to suicide prevention signage at certain facilities. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates suicide prevention signage at facilities, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic as specified in subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 18, 2025

H 1330: An Act relative to pharmacy benefit managers reimbursements to pharmacies in the Commonwealth

This bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Massachusetts to follow specific rules when setting reimbursement rates for pharmacies. PBMs must ensure drugs on their cost lists are therapeutically equivalent, widely available from wholesalers, and not obsolete. Pharmacies can appeal underpayments through a formal process, with PBMs required to respond within 7 business days and adjust rates if appeals are upheld. The law directly affects pharmacies and PBMs, preventing PBMs from reimbursing pharmacies less than what they pay their own affiliated pharmacies for identical services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates fair reimbursements from PBMs to pharmacies, ensuring pharmacy access to medications and supporting patient care continuity in healthcare delivery.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 29, 2025

S 1403: An Act relative to reducing administrative burden

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1403) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford, Mike Connolly, Adam Gómez and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to reducing administrative burden. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReduces administrative burden in mental health services, improving efficiency and access per bill's focus on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 730: An Act to increase the Medicaid life insurance exemption

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 730) of Peter J. Durant and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to increase the Medicaid life insurance exemption. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases Medicaid eligibility by raising life insurance exemption, expanding access to healthcare coverage for low-income individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 18, 2025

S 495: An Act to codify the Hospital to Home Partnership Program

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 495) of John C. Velis, Paul K. Frost, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to codify the Hospital to Home Partnership Program. Elder Affairs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCodifies Hospital to Home Partnership Program under Elder Affairs, enhancing post-hospital care access for seniors, supporting patient transition services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 2, 2025

H 4563: An Act relative to suicide prevention in schools

H 4563 requires Massachusetts school health providers and educators to complete at least 2 hours of evidence-based suicide prevention training every other year as part of existing professional development. New staff hired during years without required training must receive suicide prevention materials within 30 days of employment. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop approved training materials with evidence of effectiveness, in consultation with public health and mental health agencies. The bill directly affects all school staff holding or applying for educator licenses in the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates suicide prevention training for educators, strengthening student mental health support within K-12 schools and enhancing educator preparedness.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates evidence-based suicide prevention training for school staff, advancing mental health services in educational settings95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Teachers

Track